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THOUGHT 







[. AVERY 




Class ___£i^LSjU_ 
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Cop}TJglit N? 



COPmiCHT DEPOBm 




OFT 




VEHSE 



By L. M. AvEKY 




Boston 

THE ROXBURGH PUBLISHING COMPANY 

Ine. 



^^i^" 



JAN 16 1918 
©CI,A48J439 



Copyrighted 1917 

By L. M. AVERY 

All Rights Reserved 



CONTENTS 



Gems of Thought 9 

Precepts of Thought lo 

Cheerful Thoughts at Time of Death . . 1 1 

The Past Brought Relief 12 

Four Little Babies 12 

The Old House I Love 13 

A Picture H 

Nature's Prospectus 16 

My Little Old Hut 17 

Joy 19 

The Day I9 

My Little Table 20 

Heaven's Music 21 

Sleep 21 

Charity ^^ 

God's Problems 23 

Look Up, Not Down 23 

Thy Post of Duty 24 

Man's Way 25 

Disburse Good Thoughts 25 

Snags of My Youth 27 

Thorns of Love 28 

God Will Provide 28 

An Angel's Gift 29 

Beware 32 

Living Dreams 32 

The Unseen Hand 34 



Life's Fountain 35 

The Coils of a Serpent 39 

My Husband 39 

The Sot's Reflection 40 

But By and By 41 

The World's Side 41 

Search of Peace 42 

Pure Maxims 43 

Telegraphy of I'hought 43 

Look Upward 44 

Peace 45 

A Maiden's Observation 46 

Forsaken Love 48 

The Bread of Life 50 

Life's Ship 51 

Inward Thorns 53 

Music of the Heart 53 

Growing Old 54 

God's Tender Care 56 

Hasty Thoughts 56 

Advance 59 

All Would Not Die 59 

Thoughts of Kindness 61 

True Bravery of a Noble Nature 63 

God's Way 64 

Chimes of Spring 65 

Soliloquy 66 

The Martyred Dead 66 

The Orphan 67 

When Wrong Winds Blow 68 

Kindness 69 



Wife's Appeal 72 

Answer 74 

Moral Lashings 75 

Love 78 

The Brown Cottage Home 78 

Be Kind to the Aged 80 

The Parent's Advice 82 

Conquer Difficulties 84 

Mints to Youthful Mind 85 

Contentment 86 

Life's Struggle 86 

Tender and True Sy 

Cast Thy Sunbeams All Around 95 

Roses 96 

Seeds 96 

Chimes of Thought 9^ 

Pick Up the Little Crumbs 100 

A Smile 102 

Prayer lO.S 

Life 103 

Welcome the Wind and Snow 105 

Truth 106 

Whom Call Ye Brave 106 

Harvest Time 108 

Fear Not 108 

Wife, Mother and Citizen 109 

Only a Waif i T3 

A Picture of Nature's Human Flowers IT9 

The Wrong Road 131 

The Sinner's Dream 160 

As Ye Sow, So Shall Ye Reap . . - 167 



#cms of l^tiougljt 

In thy light 
I would write 
Every word 
Like the song 
All day long 
From the bird 
Let me chant 
The finite can't 
To be heard. 

Teach my soul 
Let bliss unroll 
Mysteries bright 
'Till my heart 
Shall feel a part 
Of its light. 
May we bring 
God's joyful ring 
Into each night. 

Thou dost teach 
The power to reach 
The shining dew drops 
The gifted mind. 
Grace can find 
On the top, 
May we all 
Obey thy call 
Without stop. 



10 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

I would share 
Every where 
Tender thoujihts. 
Thou doth fill 
Aud instill 
Jewels there. 
Give us love 
From above 
For every care. 

Driving the tacks step by step 
'Till the wounds are all healed over. 
Follow the path day by day 
'Till the slippery way thou cover. 

Make thy good deeds answer thy will 
Lest all vanish beyond thy reach. 
Follow thy Master with head up still 
'Till thy precepts they shall so teach. 

Climbing the ladder of wisdom and fame 
Ts not thy better station, 
(iaining thy soul but a purer name 
Will win you a higher station. 

Woman, O canst thou still feel 
That thou art the gift l)ut given 
Placing man higher on the reel 
To win him a place in Heaven. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT n 

C^ferful '^Lj^ougfjtiS at ^imt ot 2Dtat^ 

Rise up my fellow comrades, 
Believe me thou hast done 
Thy portion of life's duty 
And the battle has been won. 

Then with a light heart 
Give thy maker praise 
For the tidings of thy freedom 
And the happy bygone days. 

Thy days of work are over 
Thy sun is sinking fast 
To rise again more glorious 
Than earthly memories cast. 

Make ready for the beauties 
Which thou shalt surely see 
Tn the coming of the morrow 
When thy soul hath been made free. 

Then thou shalt fully realize 
Why wisdom hath forearmed 
All who must cross death's waters 
Lest they become alarmed. 



12 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

'CTDe paiSt Brougfit JXtliet 

Relief to the melancholy grief 
Came when that life tarnished name 
Was buried neath the past tide of time, 
And fame soon departed with the blame. 

God vanishes stain 
That none may remain 
For the body decays 
Like all evil ways 
In the dust which it gives 
Some other soul lives. 



jFout Etttle Babe0 

Four little blossoms on this vine 
Each one a sunbeam here doth shine. 
Four little loved ones spotless and pure 
Laughing and happy here secure. 

Four little tendrils clinging to life 
Free from the aching burdens of strife. 
Four little babes, pretty and sweet. 
See their pink little hands and feet. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 13 

Four little lambs so soon to know- 
That cruel thorns with roses grow. 
Four little souls shining so bright 
Cannot always be sinless and white. 

Dear little cherubs, we're glad to see 
You all so happy and so free. 
Alas how soon these little lives will show 
That hard and cold the north winds blow. 



w=m 



The cherished spot where Mother lived 

That home, I love it still. 

'Tis where those many dear ones grieved 

Who taught one soul *o thrill. 

In blissful harmony and peace 

That sorrows here might cease. 

That dear old home, I love it now 
For years that have gone by, 
The rusty tools and wooden plow 
Then old and worn will tie. 
E'en closer still that dear old home 
Though future years to come. 



14 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

That dear old home, I love it yet. 

For echoes long ago, 

And so treasured is that casket 

Those gems of thought still glow. 

Though years of time that home may lame 

I love it just the same. 

My Mother's home, 'tis but a spot 

More sacred to me now 

Than many a song long since forgot 

Or many a flashing brow. 

O, home sweet home, to me most dear, 

In memorv thou art here. 



Si picture 



On the canvas here 
My thoughts are hurled 
Just to reappear 
In the busy world. 

So repaint and gild 
And freshen o'er 
'Till the house you build 
Can stand no more. 

The picture conveyed 
Which here you find 
Was quietly weighed 
By a sincere mind. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Cast aside all deep 
And untold words 
Lest you may weap 
With unknown birds. 

The fancies of life 
Will so appear 
To deaden strife 
And sfive more cheer. 



O uplift, uplift, 
And pull the weeds 
Lest a soul may drift 
With the tide of seeds. 

The picture painted 
Of life and death 
Hath been so tainted 
By the human breath. 



That the good intended 
And bad will be 
Forever blended 
In harmony. 



16 GEMS OF THOUGHT 



Along the line 
The roses twine 
Beaneath the cross 
Of moral dross. 

But why should I 
Begrudge the fly 
His portion there 
That bugs oft share? 

The honeyed cells 
In flowered wells 
Let the bird and bee 
Or insect see. 

And gain that sweetness 
For their completness. 
Let flowers grow, 
Their beauties show. 

And incense flow 
To deaden woe 
For it will bring 
Us birds to sing. 

With sweetest chimes 
Of nature's rhymes, 
To purify 
The harmful fly. 



G EMS OF T H O U G II T 17 

We should uplift 
He who would drift 
For sin must fall 
Beneath us all. 

Since joys of love 
Come from above, 
And truth is given 
To all in heaven. 



9^p Eittle <SDin mt 

'Tis the bitter snag 
And the weary rut 

Which hath raised this flag 
On my little hut. 

With all cares to meet 
And all ills to bear 

I will learn to greet 
Every snag and snare. 



13 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

As my soul doth brighten 
Every passing day 

So all burdens lighten 
'Till they pass away. 

Thus the flag above 
This little hut you see 

Waves the stars of love 
And stripes of peace to me. 

Though weary and worn 
I must still struggle on 

Lest my life be shorn 
E'er her work be done. 

The frame of my hut 
Grows wrinkled and old 

So keep the door shut 
Or the mouldings will mold. 

Though sickness so often 
Creeps in for a peep. 

I will shun her cofifin 
'Till death's long sleep. 

Then will this hut 
' With its little worn flag 

Go down in the rut 
Like any old snag. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 10 

'Tis when the soul is singing 

That joy seems all around 
And hearts are filled with gladness 

By the sweetness of the sound. 

'Tis when the heart is happy 
That the soul begins to sing. 

To the sad and discontented 
Sweet comfort it will bring. 



^Tfje Bap 

Sunrise displays 

In jewels so bright 
Her golden rays 

In the morning light. 

Noontide doth give 

The heat and the glow 

That all who live 

May have strength to grow. 

Sunset at eve 

Will bring us the night 
When shadows weave 

Their ghostly sight. 



20 GEMS OF THOUGHT 



9^p JLittlt tlable 

The beam of my love 

To lean upon 
The star of my hope 

To gleam upon. 

Return to my heart 

The glimmer of strength 
The truth or a part 

Of youth giving length. 

Who is my guide 

When duties recall 
The tempests that hide 

While the dead leaves fall. 

Pick up the strain 

Of the music left 
Lest discords may gain 

All triumphs bereft. 

Leave not a blot 

On memory's plot 
Not worthy the name 

Of a true man's fame. 

Let God be the light 

To life all the way 
'Till the final night 

Or Judgment Day. 



GEMS OF TlrOUGHT 21 

O bells of gladness 

Awake thy news 
Let shadow^y sadness 

Thy joys peruse. 

For all earth's mortals 

Must list to the ring 
Which the open portals 

Of heaven bring. 



Quietly at rest 

Peaceful and calm 

The mind is blessed 
With heavenly balm. 

Undisturbed asleep 

A human soul 
Let harmony weep 

And clouds unroll. 

For pain and woe 
Hath visions of peace 

And the quiet flow 
Of joys increase. 

Here lieth health 

At the fountain of youth 
Together with wealth 

And the banner truth. 



22 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

So sweetly sleep 

Every hour for rest 
While nature reap 

The spirit is blest. 

In the early morning 
When fresh winds blow 

When the crimson sky 
In the east doth show. 

I awake to find 

My soul at rest 
And my weary mind 

From sleep is blest. 

Where dreams may win 

Sweet pleasure's test 
All cuddled in 

My nightly nest. 

By giving to others what we most desire 
Our selfish hearts soon learn to believe 

That true generosity never will tire 

For 'tis better to give than 'tis to receive. 

So charity here will always be known 

Sometimes by only a word or a smile, 
But it goes to the heart and the kindness 
shown 
May gladden a soul during some great 
trial. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 23 

In the lives of both weak and strong 
Awakens the problem of what is wrong. 
We search and struggle and struggle and 

search 
Hoping to find each truth in the church. 

While nature breathes her laws in mid air 
Our wise Creator weaves sunshine there. 
Here may be found the truth and light 
Free to all mortals seeking the right. 

All children will learn when very small, 
That fire will burn if touched at all, 
Thus instinct teaches to obey God's call 
In every day life, or else stumble and fall. 

JLooHi Wlp, Mot 2Doton 

Every cup must have its bitter 

Its portion too of sweet, 
Among the trees the small birds twitter 

While roses blossom 'neath our feet. ^ 

Though the heavens smile with sunshine 
And the earth her beauty lends 

Should nature's thoughts accept this line 
Would we take the joy she sends? 

Though all mankind know life's sorrow 

And the pains so hard to bear 
The rain which sometimes falls tomorrow 

Brightens nature everywhere. 



24 GEMS OF THOUGHT 



liriJg poiSt of SDUtp 

Why leave thy post of duty, 
And turn thy faces round? 

Cans't thou not see the beauty 
Of virtue on thy ground? 

Cans't thou not see the danger 
That lies before the train 

Dost thou not cause the stranger 
To lie among the slain? 

When just one word or pause 
Will send a countless number 

Which carelessness doth cause 
To lie in death or slumber, 

Many a forlorn begger 
May be brought to light 

If thou but cast thy wager 
For the truth arisfht. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 25 

Life, life, thy' mystery we scan. 
Sin, sin, whence comest thou? 
Strife, strife, the nursery of man 
Within, within, and upon the brow 

Crime, crime, results which show 
Woe, woe, to all who plan. 
Grime and slime with evil grow 
O'erthrow below sin's records of man. 

O welcome the day, thrice welcome, I say. 
When the warning cry of vice will die 
When the brightest hope of heaven's scope 
Will reveal to all God's welcome call. 

What good alone can sin atone 
The future may in time decay. 
Life's present test like all the rest 
Reveals but the past in memories cast. 



Sprinkle God's thoughts 
Like the dews of the morning. 
Yes spread true thought 
Before minds of men. 
Angels hath brought 
True angels hath brought them 
Like magic again. 



26 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Give to the world 

Your share of its portion 

Go give to the world all banners ye bear. 

Life so soon hurled 

Beyond mortal's care. 

Goodness like curls 

Will cause our awakening, 
Truth will bring pearls 
All along life's path. 
Sin only whirls 
In a pool of wrath. 
Strive so that all 

Who live may grow better. 

Seek ye to work 

That men may not fall. 

He that doth shirk 

Shall be bound by a fetter 

Evil doth lurk 

Like a shadowed wall. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 27 

^nags; of Mv Soutfj 

The snags of my youth 

Have grown sweet with years 

While I witness the truth 
Is oft watered with tears. 

And the gems of true dye 

Which to me now appear 
In the days gone by 

Were oft shunned in fear. 

O so many do wonder 

Why life's path is rough 
And assign each blunder 

To some snag so tough. 

They forget our Creator 

Doeth all things well 
For the soul becomes greater 

Whom hardships befell. 

Let us meet every snag 

With a will and a way. 
And carry a flag 

Of triumph each day. 

May we sing as we travel 

And journey along 
While hardships unravel, 

Through the mystery of song. 



28 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

7l^otn0 ot £obe 

'Neath the prickly thorns of love 
Lies a heart which absorbs all 
Unique and strange from above 
Mystic chords of fancies fall. 

Bleak and drear sometimes they strike 
Chilling as the wintry blast. 

Then again they seem more like 

Happy thoughts with sunbeams cast. 

Worn upon the outside dress, 

Stranger than the strangest wall, 
Which so oft the heart doth press 
Human tides of friendship fall. 



(I5oti mm ptobibe 

Last but not least, 
God's children are here 
To work at his call 
For man and for beast. 

Vegetations appear 
A welcome to all 
Virtue to foil 
A snake with its coil. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 29 

Let harmony laugh 
O'er wild waves of chaff. 
God will provide 
All billows we ride. 

And carry us by 

The shoals which are nigh 

The fanciest dream 

Which children can scheme. 

All hate to be wise 
Lest elders will prize 
And capture the flower 
Within their bower. 



)an simtV0 mtt 



One morning passing by a home, 

I heard an infant cry, 
The plaintive voice which seemed to come 

Grew faint into a sigh. 

I turned and on the top step there 

I saw a trembling form 
A little soul without a care 

Was left out in the storm. 

As I drew near its wailing ceased 

And little eyes of blue 
Looked into mine with gaze increased 

To wonder who are you .'' 



30 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

I took the child up in my arms 
So light and frail and weak, 

And thought how could a baby's charms 
Be cast where life was bleak. 

How could a mother throw aside 

A gift so sweet and fair, 
No jewels in this world so wide 

Could with that life compare. 

I sought to find the babe a home 

But no one wished the part 
Which every teacher must assume 

To guide a tender heart. 

That night when in the silent hour 

I sought my peaceful rest. 
Methinks I felt some magic power. 

To great for mortal test. 

And from out a misty film 

An angel came to light. 
Decending from a purer realm 

She wore her halo bright. 

As there beside my bed she stood, 
With one small drooping rose. 

She bade as only angels could 
Just keep this 'till it grows. 

'Tis one of God's sweet blossoms rare 

A plant from Heaven sent 
Can you not give this bud the care 

Some human flower hath lent? 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 31 

She gently lay the flower down 

Upon a door step near 
Then giving it a human crown 

She seemed to disappear. 

I woke, a babe lay in my arms 

And then my duty deemed, 
To take this infant and its charms 

The rose of which I dreamed. 

A human form for me to dress, 

A soul whom God had given 
A flower so rich this earth to bless 

Had now been sent from heaven. 

I took that little bud so fair 

While innocent and pure 
To culture though then unaware 

What life he must endure. 

That he had been an angel's gift 

And I would be his Mother, 
While on life's ocean he must drift 

Like every youthful brother. 

'Tw^as Love that placed his pinions high 
And love which gave no bound, 

Though he might reach the star lit sky 
With truth and honor found. 

His record here on earth is given 

Where souls are born anew, 
And freedom gains a place in Heaven 

For those who have been true. 



32 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Bctoaw 

Is magic such 
The healer's touch 
Some judge so clearly 
While others nearly. 

If left beware 
Of every snare, 
Look out for those 
Who think he knows. 

Everything 
For he may sting 
And mislead 
So take heed. 



JLMnQ SDteamsi 

Time hath cast his forelocks 

Upon two lives I see 
And like the sea shore rocks 

Imprint her traces free. 

One with age is printed 

And the wrinkles on his brow 

Hath a page of sorrow tinted 
Which reflects but shadows now. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 33 

Yet through those darkened corners 
The laughing sunbeams peep 

To drive away dull mourners 
These happy day gleams leap. 

O tell me beams of sunshine 

Just how to find my way 
Among the creeping shadows 

That cross my path each day. 

As life to you seems sweeter 

And brighter as you go, 
Just shed abroad thy pleasure 

And deaden others' woe. 

When pain in living dramas 

Cuts deep and leaves her traces 

Such scars of human souls 
Reflect upon their faces. 

If sin in blazing meanness 

Be ranked in colors high, 
Then Satan's mortal Greenness, 

Will mark his bitter dye. 



34 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

One thought leads to another, 
One crime leads to another 
One thought, one word, one deed 
Together form the seed. 

If planted in the heart 
When sprouted form a part 
Of life which feeds the soul 
Where unknown mysteries roll. 

We cannot change the course 
Which God hath planned for man, 
Be it better or for worse 
We must do the best we can. 

The wisdom of this life 
Will grow and teach us why 
Our future is at stake 
In the unknown by and by 
With the record we here make. 

Threads of beauty which surround us 
Nature's net work woven fine 
Charming visions which hath bound us 
Mystic rainbows, choice divine. 

O listen to the music then 

Which each tiny life now brings us 

From the joy of the happy wren 

To the humming bee which stings us. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 35 

So ring- out, O bells of nature, 
The sweetest of all chimes, 
Recall man to his place again 
With wild unbroken rhymes. 

In thy message lies a love 
So rich and pure and grand, 
That we feel our God above 
Guideth with an unseen hand. 



iLife'0 jfountain 

Each flower of success 

Lies in truth and light 
We cannot so guess 

Or stumble aright. 
Just hoping to reach 

Without effort here 
Those problems which teach 

How life doth appear. 

Life's fountain lies deep 

Like the spring to the soul 
'Neath the mountains asleep. 

Man fancies the whole 
Let destiny wait. 

God knoweth best 
And whatever our fate 

In him it must rest. 



36 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

So search for success 

•By the light of his day. 
And wisdom will bless 

Each bud on the way. 
Then breathe in thy soul 

This spirit of truth 
To weave through the whole 

Of life's system in youth. 

The road may seem rough 

And the journey hard, 
But when traveled enough 

Shows the bright reward. 
If at first you don't succeed 

Try, try again, 
For experience which you need 

Brings the triumph then. 

Those who assembled here 

To improve and to learn 
When subjects appear 

Which seem hard to discern 
Just study the thought 

For the truth may be there 
Which you have long sought 

For, everywhere. 

O, star of bright hope, 

Shed forth thy beams 
Under life's telescope 

Thy beauty gleams. 
We welcome each ray 

Though piercing the sky 
Of a far distant day 

In the by and by. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 37 

As you journey along 

Let not selfish greed 
Crowd out the good song 

Which the lay men need 
But be willing to give 

That all men may learn 
To live and let live 

As well in return 

Look up and beyond 

To a higher plane 
And success will respond 

To the victory you gain ; 
Then what light you receive 

Just lend to your brother 
That you may relieve 

And aid one another. 

Under the tree of Almight}' here 

Whose fruits keep falling 
As leaves disappear yqar after year, 

So we answer his calling 
To this vast tree of knowledge 

A great debt we owe, 
For the school and the college 

From its branches grow. 

Moving along his great highway 
Is a vast throng of men each day, 
Some aiming high, some aiming low 
For the by and by where all must go. 



38 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

At the foot of the hill 

All men must start, 
And keep striving until 

They have done their part. 
Learn how to begin 

Would you seek success, 
Then determine to win 

And you will progress. 

From cradle to grave, 

Struggling to live 
And seeking to save 

What nature doth give. 
Where harmony dwell 

'Mid truth and light, 
All doeth well 

With the future bright. 

Mistakes will come to everyone, 

But when you discern that you are wrong, 
Keep trying the sum until it is done 

That you may learn the rightful song. 
Never give up until you win 

Though your efforts seem in vain. 
The bitter sup you take within 

Will only urge you on again. 

Thus through this vale 

Let us travel together 
Just learning to sail 

In the roughest of weather. 
Looking above 

By the light of day 
For God is love 

And will show us the way. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 39 

use €oi\d ot a feetptnt 

"Truth crushed to earth shall rise again," 
All flowers which bloom will fade and die. 
The heart of a drunkard is shriveled and 

worn 
By the evil enchantment and bitter scorn. 
The acts, the deeds, the thoughts of such 
Are fed and led by taste and touch. 
"United we stand and divided we fall," 
"A house divided against itself cannot stand." 
"In union is strength." 



9^V ^\x0banti 



He's the apple of my eye 

And the fountain of my soul, 

Casting color to the dye 

Rending brightness to the whole 

Of the vision of my sky. 

When my troubled heart is sore 
From the pains which I must bear, 

When the clouds hang heavy o'er 
And my life seems full of care, 

When the rain begins to pour. 



40 G E M S O F T H O U G H T 

He's the one who always cheers 
Changing darkness into hght, 

Drives away the bhies and tears 
Throwing oft" the gloom of night, 

'Till its shadow disappears. 

For the right he always stands 
Wth a firmness and a will 

Like the soldier who command;. 
With his comrades round him still 

And his duties to fulfill 

Guards his hopes with iron hands. 



^^t &ot d KetUcttono 

In my mind beyond these pages 
A once fair face doth greet me, 

And in the past my fancy gazes 
Behind the clouds which meet me. 

The laughing eyes, the roguish lips 

And golden waving tresses 
As dew drops on the blossoms sips 

Upon my mcmorv presses. 

The little arms cling to my neck 
With love and childish pleasure, 

Yes round the heart of a human wreck 
Is this little fancied treasure. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 41 

But 25p ann 15g 

Laughing eyes of blue 

I wonder why 
They seem to be so true 

And deep and shy. 

Do they remind of heaven 

Because the sky 
That color hath been given 

Above so high. 

I look into the soul 

To read reply 
But mysteries still unroll 

Of deeper dye. 

The answer that is given 

Unto my why 
Will be known in heaven 

But by and by. 



Down the world's side 
Eagerly we ride 
Without one thought 
Of another's lot. 



43 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Just tearing ylong 

Doing right or wrong 

Now upside down 

Just like a clown 

Or wrong side up 

Like a worthless cup 

Learning to hate 

The other man's fate 

As we skip and slide 

Down the rough world's side. 



^rattl) tot ptace 

After the war is over 
And peace replaces fire, 

What more is there to cover 
For Freedom knows no ire. 

Reach out, far out for wisdom 

To linger over all, 
Lest here within her 

Evil stains might fall. 

The price we pay for troubles 

Shows in every drop 
For ice will form from 1rLi1)l)les 

That rise up to the top. 

So ever search for peace 
Then hold it far and wide, 

And never let it cease 

To swav and move the tide. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 43 

Paddle on, though the rough winds blow. 

Fallacy cannot gain control of truth. 
Print virtue through art 
And wisdom of the soul. 

Good reward for fair play and justice. 

Lift up ye gates of pity 

And let repose ordain regret. 



'^fUgtaplii? of Ufioug^t 

Thought soon passes 
From mind to mind 

Of the huge masses 
Of animal kind. 

Through the silent air 

They but breath their woe 
And with untold care 

Their suflferings show. 
There are friends and foes 

Among them all; 
Each one of them knows 

His neighbor's call. 



44 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

And without a word 

When a message brought 

In the mind is stirred 
An answering thought. 

Thus together they soon 
Through instinct known 

So learn to commune 
By nature shown. 



Win the hearts of those about 
Place your foot upon the ladder 

And climb above the wicked route 
That make the souls of men grow sadder. 

O, Father, I but wish to do 
Whatever is but wise and true, 

Gladdening those about me ever 
By ties of love we cannot sever. 

The sweetest blossom is Nature's gift, 
The rarest flower must bloom and die, 

The ptirest soul when sent adrift 

Will meet his doom in the bye ad bye. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 45 

Peace 

Give thy love to those who strive 
To do but well, what e'er they do. 

In thy nobler efforts live, 
Work as you wish others to. 

Let us help each fellow being 

To uplift and seek for better 
Though our actions be not wise ones 

They may cut another's fetter. 

Seek to live that others may. 

We can ring the good old song 
Though we cannot praise the singer 

We can sing to conquer wrong. 

Think well to do thy duty ever, 
Work for love and work for peace ; 

Work though human ties may bind you 
That all sins and crimes may cease. 

Life should be both pure and holy, 
Something high and noble, grand, 

O for better men and women 
To lead children by the hand. 

Bread will raise when it grows lighter 
Sin will sink when souls are whiter, 
Evening dew drops moisten posies 
Morning sunrise opens roses. 

Thus earth's life by sun and water 
Prepares man's soul for something better, 
God in nature leaves his traces. 
While Satan marks the human faces. 



46 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Si 9^aiDen*0 flDiJSietbati0n 

She sat in the open sunshine 
And watched the chickens about 

Picking up the little bread crumbs 
Which she had just thrown out. 

In language unknown to her 

They chirped and chattered away 

But it all seemed full of music 

Though she could not guess the lay. 

While listening and wondering at it 

She heard a low faint mew, 
Turning she saw her kitten 

Eagerly watching, t®o. 

Slyly creeping forward 

With her little silken paw 
Kit quickly seized a morsel 

From out of the rooster's claw. 

How they sputtered and cackled, 
Some running this way and that, 

One old hen with four little chicks 
Savagely flew at the cat. 

But pussy could not be bluffed, 
And would not give up her gain, 

'Till Ring came out with a bark and a bound 
And drove her down the lane. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 4? 

The dog, though only a canine, 

Understood the little spat, 
So taking the part of the chickens 

He drove away the cat. 

Dumb creatures have but instinct, 

Thus mused the maiden now, 
So, Ring, you have no reason 

For that man won't allow. 

I have seen very foolish actions 

By the human race alone, 
They seem to show less wisdom 

Than the animals they own. 

Perhaps I lack good judgment 

But I certainly believe, 
That many a truth and lesson 

We from brutes receive. 

Man may judge of human skill, 

And play a princely part, 
While all are subject to his will, 

God alone can read the heart. 

If he will claim all reason 

Why must he take offence 
Because dumb brutes will sometimes show 

A little common sense? 



48 G E M S F THOUGH T 

The world is filled with stin^^s, child, 
We have no time to grieve, 

Thoiigh pain all trouble brings, child, 
Our sufferings we must leave. 

Thou art too young to die, dear, 

For one who is not true. 
God in time will show thee why 

He was not given to you. 

Lift up thine eyes above, May. 

For comfort and for strength, 
And thou wil't find a love, May. 

Too deep to stray away. 

Waste not thy breath in sighs then, 

For time is fleeting fast, 
The flower that in thy pathway lies 

The chilling wind may blast. 

So strive to plan what thou cans't do 

For those who suffer near, 
And thou wil't learn that others, too. 

Have lost what is most dear. 

That others have dee]) wounds to heal, 
More bitter than thou cans't know. 

Lift up thy veil, help those to feel 
That smiles can sweeten woe. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 49 

Give thou the aged a word of cheer, 

Thy arm to stay their fall, 
Help them to feel their presence here 

Is a blessing to us all. 

Thy precious love thou too cans't share 

With the little orphan boy, 
He needs thy thoughtful, tender care, 

As well as thou thy joy. 

Think not of woe when thou shoulds't bless 
Nor weep when thou shoulds't sing. 

Though pangs of pain thy bosom press, 
Thy deeds will comfort bring. 

Give more of self to those about 

^^'hom thou shoulds't help and cheer, 

Thou cans't thy grief soon learn to rout 
By blessing others near. 

Let then, that love which thou has't given 

Now turn and melt like snow, 
"Twere better from the heart 'twere riven 

Than giving pain and woe. 

Let thy poor life a blessing be 

So fragrant and so sweet, 
That all who come in touch of thee 

Shall wish to know and greet. 

So climb the ladder of wisdom and light 

And love will follow apace 
The higher we search for truth aright 

The surer we'll win the race. 



50 OEMS OF THOUOHT 

f^^t Bread of JLitt 

'Tis beautiful to be true 
In work which thou art left to do. 
Scorn thou every wicked corner 
Lest thou live, its chiefest mourner. 

Sinful ways though smooth they seem, 
Often with false lights doth gleam. 
Be not wise in your own conceit. 
Let our Father guide your feet. 

Truth shall rise though crushed to earth 
And shall gain the highest berth, 
That life while here is found to win 
'Midst these slippery paths of sin. 

For we each so little know 

How to find these gems below, 

God will teach us to be true 

Though these fires w^e must go through. 

Though our lot seems hard to bear. 
Right shall triumph everywhere. 
Then should I not hate the cup 
When passed with ruby wine to sup? 

O boys, how can you think it smart 
To break our own dear Mother's heart? 
How can you leave your truest friend. 
For those who seek your ruin's end? 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 51 

Touch not the cup, 'twill ruin your soul 
It is the soil that forms the boil, 
A drop at a time must win our taste, 
Make not haste your life to waste. 

O who will guide the child's heart 
And teach the right and wrong a part, 
To see the evil of the cup 
Just why it harms to take one drop. 



The happy child is one who knows. 

Just how, and when and where to grieve. 
In sweet content his visage glows 

With what he doth so well receive. 

Can we not learn 'tis well to be 

In spirit and in heart content 
Just like the happy child we see 

Breathing in the sunshine sent. 

And slowly I gathered my pinioned wings 
And determined to fly as the angel sings 
In the distant future by and by. 

I am learning to smile 

With the beautiful sun, 
Thus spurning the while 

Wild phantoms begun. 



52 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Awaken, O heart, to the gentle warmth 
Which the soft bright rays of sunshine give. 

O, take a part life giving strength, 

To brighten thy days. 
While thou shalt live. 

The grain of thought 

Widening the soul, 
Is not over wrought 

Nearing the shoal. 

Though drifts may fill 

The vessel we ride 
And storms at will 

Our journey may guide. 

Yet he who calmly 

Drifts with the tide 
Conquers balmy 

Billows wide. 

For truble will come 

To garnish the ship 
Unless there are some 

These trials to trip. 

When one begins to overthrow 
What little good they surely know. 
Then plan to make thine own escape, 
And thus thy future course to shape 
By upright deeds from righteous seeds. 



a E M S OF THOUGHT 53 

Inward thorns must have their places 

To remind us when and where 
Duties done will leave life's traces 

Of our nobler efforts there. 

Shining through deep wounds or fetters 
Which these thorns have met and torn 

Lie the truths in God's own letters 
Which our hidden souls have born. 

When we miss the law of conscience 
Which these thorns so often pierce, 

Then will hearts which sin doth wrench 
'Till their souls grow cold and fierce. 

"God hath placed these thorns to teach us 

That no law of sin or lust 
Which doth ever chance to reach us 

Can we in our nature trust. 



S^usic from tfte ^eatt 

Only a smile. 

But it strengthened a soul 
For a bitter trial, 
And guided the feet 

O'er a sandy shoal. 



54 GEMS U }<■ THOUGHT 

Only a word 

But it sank so deep 
That a conscience heard 
And was roused once more 

From its torpid sleep. 

Only a song 

But how it cheered 
Our brave boys along 
'Till horrors of war 

They no longer feared. 

Let us not forget 

The smile, word or song. 
For small duties met 
Will aid to forbear 

And teach us to be strong. 

The happy smile 

And gentle way 
Like music all the while 

O'er our hearts doth play. 



Backward and forward 
One path she trod 

Pushing still toward 

Her home 'neath the sod. 



G E M S OF THOUGHT 55 

Her flower of life 

Is fading away 
Withered by strife 

In an early day. 

She must calmly wait 

And bide her time 
Still trusting in fate 

For her youthful crime. 

Though her pains be hard 

And all in despair 
She feels her reward 

Is but just and fair. 

Her youthful flower 

Can blossom no more 
Still she hath power 

To graft as before. 

She must still toil on 

'Till her day is done, 
As the setting sun 

Ends life begun. 

For all duties done, 

Whom many have shunned 
Gained palms of reward 

In the bright beyond. 



56 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

<3on*0 '^Tenner Cate 

Are the angels hovering o'er me 

Watching all my efforts here, 
Are the visions coming o'er me 

Caused by dear ones passing near. 

Are thy golden shining sunbeams 

Filled with warmth and love from heaver^ 

Sending to me happy day dreams 
Of the blessings thou hast given? 

Fashion and style are polluted with sin 
And doth often beguile man's soul within. 

For polish without, God's grace will route 
And ever assure, all foolish allure. 



^a0t^ ^'^ouQ^t0 

Hasty thoughts and angry words 

In every nation, every clime, 
Like bullet shots and blood stained swords 

Are blots upon the sands of time. 

'Tis said that good lives after men 

And memories seeds will kindly show 

The brotherhood a welcome then 

WhichcTcr way the wind may blow. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 57 

But histories read of selfish greed 

When those who cut the nation's fetter 

Paid little heed if men did bleed 

When fame and name had won the letter. 

As quarrels past grew red with blood 

'Till hatred gave no bounds for peace 
These feuds would last until they stood 

Like marks of time whose stains increase. 
When Christ forgave the deeds of men 

And taught the law of love and peace, 
The little wave which started then 

Hath caused the wars of nations cease. 

For men now plan with one another 

For mutual benefit of all 
And if they can will help a brother 

When e'er they think he's going to fall. 

Whenever trouble begins to bubble 
The world will hold a consultation 

To settle disputes and other suits 
By human laws of arbitration. 

But hate oft comes to foolish ones 
Whether high or low in station, 

And with blows their anger shows 
Before the rest of man creation. 

Forgetting name or place or fame 

Letting angry passions rise 
Reflects a shame just the same 

Whatever he his honored ties. 



58 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

When children fight it is not right 
So self control to them is taught 

Until they know when tempers grow 
That trouble in some form is brought. 

But then man knows by angry blows 
That he loses sense and reason 

'Such a sample for example 

Should be ranked with lawless treason. 

'Tis surely time for such a crime 

Man in Senate's honored seat so defiled, 

Should be exiled 

With his pride beneath our feet. 

And yet with civilization and cultivation 
At this day and age of the world 

A scornful disgrace we were obliged to face 
With our colors still unfurled. 

Whichever will be recorded to see 

By all future generations, 
For this worldly stain will ever remain 

Upon our records and our nation. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 59 

sublet 

Love, honor, Justice 
Righteousness and peace 
Gain fellowship of man 
Through brotherhood of love 
Then will the hearts of all unite 
In fellowship while joys increase. 

The crown of woe lieth in war 
The star of hope welcome joy, 
Folly lieth thus in vice. 
Walk in the light of friendship 
Found in the path of truth 
Behind the shadow lieth the wall 
Keep in the halo of brightness where truth 
abides. 



SLll moulh jRot SDit 

The waters of death 

To the struggling few 
Are a glad welcome 

To journey through. 
And the Bridge of Sighs 

Oft heard through the trees 
Will change to a mist 

When the waters rise. 



60 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

For mortal pain 

Seemeth hard to bear 
And the sins of woe 

Are found everywhere 
While battles like these 

With a bitter foe 
Both foolish and wise 

Alike must know. 

A passing stranger 

Heard you say 
You would not cross 

That bridge today. 
And then he saw 

You heave a sigh 
When you refused 

To answer why. 

The rumbling roar 

Of the bullets whiz 
The trembling cry 

And whirling siz 
Gave the reason 

To the passer by, 
For you did not wish 

As yet to die. 

Peace doth reign 

Without a stain 
On her record. 

The Devil's tear 
Hath no fear 

Nor hath the leopard 
Yet in time 

Steeped in crime 
He gains a discord. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 61 

Climb ye high 

Who would die 
On the cross 

Make good aim 
Without shame 

Or greater loss. 
Your greatest woe 

Is your foe 
Without dross. 



H^onQf^t^ of l&in\int0& 

Out on the road I traveled, 
Out on the great high way, 

While paths about seemed graveled 
With records of long past day. 

There it was the angels assailed me 
To build up my future with thought 

From the good and pure who hailed me 
With the joys they lovingly brought. 

O the golden rule of love 
Which drives dull care away. 

Like the fleecy clouds above 
Which can no longer stay, 

'Tis a power which God hath given 

To those who linger here, 
The divine love of heaven 

Or wilfulness and fear. 



62 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Little thoughts of kindness 

Little deeds of love. 
Help to make us better 

For the world above. 

Let us gently gather 

Sunbeams with each smile. 

For those we know would rather 
See them all the while. 

They help to bear for others, 
The burdens they must know, 

And give to worn out mothers 
More strength for bitter woe. 

Be it better or for worse 

We ne'er can happy be, 
When we but live to curse 

All other lives we see. 

Then fill your place so well 

Until you come to die, 
That friends will sound your knell 

Whenever they go by. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 63 

Tlmt Brabetp ot a Boblt Batutt 

I would say let bravely lie 

Not in teaching how to die 

But in telling all who live 

That for those who learn to give 

Happiness without measure 

Findeth peace the greatest pleasure. 

A noble motive here below 
Can never see a human foe, 
And a fellowship with man 
Will ever do the best he can 
Conquering every ill of strife 
With a higher aim in life. 

Work on, work on and may success 

Crown each road with blessedness 

The field is wide and every hour 

Will store each thought with some new 

power. 
Each germ just springing into being 
Must add its smile or way of seeing. 

In one great Union let us plan 
For the brotherhood of man. 
And may all this one great foe 
Seek to conquer as we go 
The great desire we have to fight 
To make our neighbors all do right. 



64- GEMS OF THOUGHT 

When others think they too may know 

What pohcy is best to show, 

If we cannot all agree 

Let us arbitrate to see 

That true fellowship may be 

With all nations justly free. 

When our forces thus unite 
A\'ill the future then grow bright. 
And true justice will be found 
Without blood or war around 
For with love and kindly will 
wShould all life be guided still. 



(!5oti'0 mnif 



Crumbling to dust, scattering behind 
Memory's prints of the human mind. 
Leaving the realm of matter, the soul 
Seeking alone his future goal. 
Wrapped in thought, man doth wonder 
Why his plans are cast asunder. 

Waking into the Spirit's Realm, 
And with angels at the helm, 
Perhaps life then may be unsealed 
And God's wisdom all revealed, 
Where with better, clearer scope 
He can see the brighter hope. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 65 

Cf)tmes( of Spring 

List the distant music sighing 

O so gently to my soul, 
Just across the border flying 

Where my life must reach its goal. 

Quiet o'er my frame is stealing, 

Just a touch of peaceful calm, 
Which the angels are revealing 

Of a sweet and heavenly balm. 

O how can I be down hearted, 
And give up to thoughts of gloom, 

With such joys to earth imparted 

And when our bonny spring doth bloom. 

Every breath she fills with chiming, 

And with her I learn to sing, 
When all life begins her rhyming 

And doth happy incense bring. 



66 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

^oltloqu|> 

The howling wind, 

The roaring sea 

The blinding storm 

Nor the inky blackness of the night 

Do not now make me sad. 

My life hath been given for some purpose 

Though I know not what. 

I shall do what I can to brighten. 

I must be brave and bear every ache and pain 

with fortitude, gaining strength and 

live for all about me. 



Sad, sad, doth the nation mourn, 
Another martyred leader gone. 
Toll, toll, ye bells of woe, 
For sin hath struck a painful blow. 

Weep, weep, all ye who scorn 
The cruel plot, our country's born. 
Drifting, drifting, O so slo\y. 
Will man allow such crijmes to grow? 

Shall fiends destroy and undermine 
And sap the good for which we pine ? 
What we have lost. Heaven hath gained 
But count the cost of life blood stained. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 67 

Glad, glad, angels are singing, 

Another soul is born in heaven. 

List, list, echoes are singing. 

Their sweetest chimes to earth are given. 

Waft, waft, ye gentle breeze, 
And blow sweet incense here below. 
Drift, and sift, O sands of time 
To cover wilful man's death crime. 

Lost, lost, one drop of blood. 

Doth kindle Satan's soul bound flood. 

Woe, woe, to all who show, 

A will to kill or overthrow. 



'E5e Orphan 

We who have homes of warmth and comfort, 

With loving friends to greet. 
When vexing trial come of some sort, 

Should cast them at our feet. 

Though our hardships seem so great 

Every petty trial, 
Can be made a ponderous weight 

And a poison vial. 

'Tis the little orphan stranger 

Who is kicked about. 
In and out of every danger, 

Always put to rout. 



68 G E M S O F T H (1 U (5 H T 

Without a father's kindly honor, 

Or a mother's care, 
Just a little beggar donor 

Almost anywhere. 

Ever hunting for a home 

Yet never can he find it. 
For when he to a place doth come 

There's ever a kick behind it. 

mtitn t^e tatoriQ min\i& Blob) 

Did you ever think 

How little we know 
Of the human brink ' 

Of curses that grow? 

A duty performed 

Or if left undone 
Will be stemmed or stormed 

As the credit is won. 

Can honor and sin 

Live side by side. 
Of a life within 

Where the soul abide? 

Can the shame of lust. 

In the human heart 
Choke out all the trust 

Life's morals impart? 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 69 

O God but forbid 

That idleness win 
For nature would rid 

Poor mortals from sin. 

For all weeds in life 

Which threaten us so, 
But grow out of strife, 

As the wrong winds blow. 



l^inline!S(0 



'Tis my purpose now to write, 
Just a little for the right, 
And so kindness is my song 
Does it to the good belong? 

I have found experience dear. 
When I've fought for others here. 
But with will I've sought to do 
Just what God might wish me to. 

'Tis the hardest road to fight, 
AJl is dark and in the night. 
And I tell you few there be 
Without selfish motives free. 



70 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

But an angel came to earth, 
At the time of Adam's birth, 
In life's blood he dipped his pen 
Wrote God's law on the hearts of men. 

And so charity you see. 
Was for you as well as me, 
As it seems to be a part 
Of this law on the living heart. 

And though sin abound in man 
If he tries we know he can, 
For God made the human will. 
That his law we might fulfil. 

Thus he planned it so that each 
One must work his heaven to reach. 
And we all will happier be 
For our efforts to be free. 

Oft for selfish gains alone. 
We may seek to lift the stone, 
And I find 'tis just the same 
Men will do for fame and name. 

Help yourself and then your brother 
Is the law we give each other, 
All the world is filled with sighs 
Because we have so many I's. 

'Tis not often that we find 
Men of fortune who are kind. 
But 'tis those who sufifer most 
Who are at the poor man's post. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 71 

If your friend should chance to stumble, 

Will you then begin to grumble? 

If he treads upon your toes, 

Will you count him with your foes? 

Would you follow Christ's example, 
Do not on another trample, 
Lift the stranger out of trouble 
Place his feet upon the stubble. 

Do you regret the time you spent, 

To aid the fallen to repent? 

The willing hand and smile you gave 

That brought life back, so near the grave? 

Self forgetful people say 

That 'tis kindness paves God's way. 

To the willing few 'tis given 

MHio hath sought the road to Heaven. 

And Christ's motto here would be 
From all selfish motives free. 
Unto others ever do 
As you wish them do to you. 



72 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

mitta Appeal 

Teach us both to sing anew 
For our troubled hearts are blue, 
For our souls are so distressed 
Though we seek we find no rest. 

We are young, O Father guide 
Lest we fail in dark to ride 
O'er these billows now so high 
Lest we sink, lose hope and die. 

Teach us. Father, what to do 
So that we may journey through, 
Burdens are so hard to bear 
When thus we live in deep despair. 

Could I only find the light, 
Make my husband's future bright, 
Could I give him hope and joy. 
Bringing back my laughing boy. 

I would be so happy too. 
Father, T could sing anew, 
What care I for worldly strife. 
Side by side we go through life? 

Though we have but little here 
We could sing away all fear, 
Happy in each other's love 
Working for our home above. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 73 

O, Eugene, you little know 
How your troubles pain me so. 
When your trials are so great 
Then my heart must bear the weight. 

Look up, faint heart, the sun's not down, 
For what care you if the world does frown? 
So let us join our hearts in song. 
And then in love we'll fight the wrong. 

Winona sits in her quiet way, 
Asking a blessing from God each day. 
She throws up her hands in mute appeal. 
Begging her Father to teach her to feel. 

Why doth Winona sufifer now. 

Simply because she knows not how 

To use the gifts her God hath given 

Which shows her the way leading to Heaven. 

Will angels teach her what to do, 
Or must she still her course pursue, 
Striving and seeking all in vain. 
Her simple heart in such a strain. 



74 ge:ms of thought 

A message from Heaven comes to me now, 
Like the dew in the morn as it touches my 

brow. 
To my soul it is whispered so soft and low 
That it soothes and calms my spirit's dull 

flow. 
This lesson God sends through the sunshine 

and rain 
That soothes my heart and fevered brain. 
The birds have known it long ago, 
They sing it in song to the world below. 

For love and peace are sent to my soul. 
And slowly the stone begins to roll. 
The stone that darkened my door for years 
Takes with it these frowns and many tears. 

In love, in peace I can find my way. 
Through all the furies and storms each day. 
In love and in peace Christ taught the world, 
In love, in peace his banners unfurled. 

Let us float that banner so far above 
That angels may whisper, "all is love." 
Let us fill the world with sweetness of peace 
That wicked strife and wars shall cease. 

Could this be so, then the earth might be 
Ringing with happy children free. 
Singing and toiling ever the same 
Wliile climbing the ladder of wisdom and 
fame. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 75 

^ocal 2Lasi|)tns0 

'Tis the little foxes spoil the vines, 
'Tis the little sins that eat and destroy. 

Although sometimes evil will shine 
'Tis but to annoy and but to decoy. 

The snake will often charm his prey 

The spider in his web will hide. 
In pleasure the tempter will lead astray 

And by his pride will be the guide. 

How easy it is to fall in a snare, 

When we are weak and sad and worn, 

Our hearts are heavy with trouble and care 
And thus forlorn we pine and mourn. 

We're weary of trying to do what is right, 
Our burdens are hard and heavy to bear, 

Why keep striving to fight the good fight 
Must we always wear this cloak of despair? 

'Tis then we doubt that God is just 
And little by little we turn aside. 

Sin creeps in and leaves her rust 
As slowly we ride along with the tide. 

Smoothly at first we glide along 

And laugh at the seaman's warning cry. 

Lured by the mermaid's rippling song 

We heed not the sigh of the wind passing by. 



76 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

A storm in its fury soon darkens the sky, 
And the distant roar of the tempest we hear, 

Tossed by the waves like a shell thrown high 
We tremble with fear for danger is near. 

Now upon God we willingly call. 

To guard and to guide, to forgive the past. 
Without divine help, we must give up all. 

On the rocks be cast to perish at last. 

How eager we promise to change our ways. 
Out of our hearts all evil to thrust, 

To live better lives the rest of our days. 
For God is just, in him we'll trust. 

O, so often our vows are broken 

W'hen safely returned to those most dear. 
Though at the time so solemnly spoken 

They are made from fear that death is near. 

Only a little at a time you know, 
Perhaps our lives are often misled. 

Our mistakes are small, we let them go, 
And thus by a thread we follow the web. 

'Till deep entangled we might fight the foe 
E're he tightens the coils around our feet, 

The scars from sin will always show 

As the rust from heat that blights the wheat. 

But God will warn in many ways 

To remind us of sins and vows once made, 

And conscience oft our guilt portrays 

Till our crimes are weighed in nightly 
shade. 



GEMS J^' THOUGHT 77 

'Tis thus in the midnight's silent hour 
When all are slumbering in peaceful rest, 

Our sins loom up like a ghostly tower 

To haunt and to test our souls thus im- 
pressed. 

Our lives are before us like a map laid bare 
And every wrong action, plainly outlined 

As others have seen us we see ourselves there 
And the heart and mind are clearly defined. 

Remorse steps out in the pale moonlight, 
And sternly refuses sleep or repose, 

'Til regret and pain far in the night 
Deadens our woes and our eyelids close. 

Where there's a will, there's always a way 
And if we wish to succeed in life 

We must carefully study God's laws each day 
As a slip from the knife may end in strife. 

If our lives are unhappy we make them so, 
By refusing to follow the golden rule, 

Shall we, like the brute give blow for blow, 
And act as a tool for man's cesspool ? 



78 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

fiobt 

Love brings joy for all of us 

When with a kindly thought. 
The air seems filled with music 

Which a loving message brought. 
O, the peace and blissful harmony 

Which that little dove may carry 
Joining thus both hearts and hands 

'Til with love they intermarry. 



'^Je Sroton Cottage i|ome 

Goodbye, old home. T must leave you forever 

For the farm has been sold today, 
And the crumbling walls I loved so well 

Will now be torn away. 
All the old buildings are shattered and worn, 

They have stood for many long years. 
And while I gaze on the brown cottage home 

I cannot keep back the tears. 

This morning I strolled o'er the meadow and 
pasture. 

And list'd to the robin's sweet song. 
At the foot of the hill was the same little brook 

Sparkling and dancing along. 
Many were the hours that I spent when a 
child 

With my feet in that rippling stream. 
And while I recall those once happy days 

It seems like a vision or dream. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 79 

In the orchard grove, just west of the house 

Was a favored spot to me, 
Here with my books I used to sit 

In the shade of an old apple tree. 
Sometimes I thought my childish grief 

Was more than I could bear 
Then would I seek my cool shady nook 

And find sweet solace there. 

Old Father Time hath vanished those days 

And they will return no more. 
But oft in dreams I recall them again, 

And I am a child as of yore. 

Mother is gone, worn out with her toil, 

And Father is feeble and old, 
All of their children are married and gone 

And so the old farm has been sold. 

Chorus. 
Then goodbye, old home, 
The parting is hard, 

For well have I learned to love you, 
But the beautiful truths imparted here 

Shall guard life's journey through. 



80 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

7St BinD to ttit SiQtn 

We love to guide and shelter 

The innocent in life, 
The little tottering babe 

We shield from worldly strife. 

The youth in strength and beaaty 
Receive our loudest praise 

For all of future greatness, 
These manly boys must raise. 

We cherish every maiden 

Whose life is pure and sweet. 

And much of earthly goodness 
We pray that she may meet. 

O look upon the aged 

With thoughts more tender still, 
For now their walls are crumbling 

And weak doth seem the will. 

Forsake not these old veterans 
Though beauty may have fled, 

Though they seem only waiting 
To lie among the dead. 

Why should not death be welcome, 

It sets the prisoner free 
Gives newer, purer bodies 

Than earthly ones can be. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 81 

The trembling hand, and tottering form 

And wrinkled, kindly face, 
The silver threads from these old heads 

Doth bring us no disgrace. 

They once were young and bithesome 

As youths and maidens now, 
But God in time his mark hath placed 

Upon each withered brow. 

They feel that earth is earthy, 

That frames to dust return, 
That heaven alone deals heavenly 

For which so many yearn. 

If sin hath marred their pathway, 
And life seems filled with gloom, 

Have pity, O ye mortals, 
They still await their doom. 

Have pity, for they suffer 

From sins of other days, 
Could they grow young in years again 

How changed would be their ways. 

Beware, for you may journey 

Through life for many years. 
Perhaps you, too, may weary, 

And your eyes oft dim with tears. 

May you not be as helpless 

As those whom now you shun, 
And long for love and kindness 

When life is almost done. 



82 G E MS OF THOUGHT 

Give thought to those who sheltered 

Under their kindly wing 
The happy little children 

That used to romp and sing. 

Our nations were made stronger 

For they were heroes brave, 
Shall not forsake these soldiers 

Because they near the grave. 

O shame on ye who falter 
To care for those grown old, 

These blossoms, though they're withered 
The angels wall enfold. 



O do not idle away your time. 
Golden opportunities will pass 
Never to be regained. 
The most of our lives are wasted 
In thoughtlessness without action. 
Shall we lose that which we might gain ? 
O the flowers that die from the want of drink. 
O the souls that perish o'er Satan's brink. 
There is no time to waste in despair 
Rise up and work while the morning is fair. 
We ask each other what shall we do. 
Do your duty today and tomorrow will bring 
forth 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 83 

Her work if you strive to win your way to 

glory 
Through noble deeds and actions ye certainly 
Will find it. 'Tis the little foxes that destroy 

the vines, 
'Tis the little sins that eat and destroy. 
Purify your own soul and then cast her 
Pure light into the darkness about you. 
You ask for help, help yourself all you can 
And then leave the rest to that Unseen Power 
You cannot understand nor resist. 
O life is a grand awakening. 
Fill the precious hours with labor. 
Rest comes sure and soon. 
Do your best, you will never regret it. 
Though it be hard 'tis better farther on. 
The beautiful mystery of life will some day 

be explained. 
Work and wait not. Do not leave for others 
That which you can do. Your work is laid 

out before you. 
Do it well lest the golden opportunity pass. 



84 (I E ^r S OF THOUGHT 

Conquet Mtticultie^ 

Calmly 

Yes balmy 

Teach us to ride 

All billows that hide 

On the rough world's side. 

Teach us to guide 

Our pilots aright, 

For out of our sight 

Are the rapids to fight. 

And we do not care 
To journey there 
For everywhere 
Do snags appear. 

Which all should fear 
To travel near, 
Where danger will come 
To everyone. 

Beyond are the falls 
W'hose rugged walls 
Are pierced with the balls 
Of Time's echoed halls. 

Where the shrieks and wails 
Of life's balanced scales 
Are lost evermore 
At Death's open door. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 85 

^int0 to t^e mnt^tul 9^inn 

Please to bear in mind 

We seek to sow 
From the good we find 

To deaden woe. 

If thought conveyed 

To council men 
Be never weighed 

What matter then? 

Why trouble our friends 

Who seek to know 
How to make amends 

When vices grow? 

As long as we share 

Or aid Hfe's sin 
So long shall we bear 

Her marks within. 

The foundation is laid 

And the poor young soul 
So must bloom and fade 

To reach his goal. 

He must live and die 

As all men do 
In seeking the sky 

He must journey through. 

To be born anew 

He fathoms the deep, 
And his young soul grew 

In eternal sleep. 



86 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Contentment 

In vain I tried to see the wrong 

But why denounce the good old song. 

Just sing the tunes that you have learned 

With all the time worn vigor spurned. 

Just as cheerful, just as well 

As when a child you learned to spell. 

Out on the tide of the ocean 

Tossed by the waves of time, 

Each tiny bark in motion 

Containeth life sublime. 



JLitt0 ^ttussU 

From the cradle to the grave 

Strug.gling to live 
And seeking to save 

What nature doth give. 

Where harmony dwells 
With truth and light 

All doeth well 

With the future bright. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 87 

Give me the wings of beautiful time 

To cast reflection on my brow 
That I may add in words of rhyme 

The tender symphonies subhme 

My brain is weak, my thoughts seem dull. 

I cannot frame my spirit's flow 
Let peaceful calm so soothe and lull 

That I may with new rapture glow. 



Tf every woman with human love 

Who suffers through her own disgrace 

Would seek for aid from God above 
Her stamp of sin she could erase. 

Her future light would shine more bright, 
The world may look with scornful eye, 

But if she fight her battles right 
The soul wall forgive her by and by. 

No thought's desire is greater 

Nor better in my sight 
Than hoping for some traitor 

A purer ray of light. 



88 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

The one who sins must suffer 
Though the reason be not plain. 

For every human bluffer 
Hath wisdom yet to gain. 

And folly's ways are nurtured 
By pain as well as woe, 

For life is ever tortured 
By nature's willing foe. 

Remember our Creator 

Must teach all these unwise, 

For thus the foolish traitor 
May yet learn how to rise. 

Tender and true 

Were the words I found 
Which the little lad 

Threw upon the ground. 

Only three words 

By this thought conveyed 
Like the music from birds 

On my heart it laid. 

My soul was sought 
And so sweet and pure 

Was the mission it brought, 
God opened the door. 

In dreams of flight 

A vision I see 
Which this paper white 

Had carried to me. 



GEMS OF 'THOUGHT 33 

This child of need 

So thinly clad 
Had but dropped the seed 

Which I now had. 

A sad, sad face 

With a fair white brow 
That I cannot erase 

Comes to me now. 

She had been deceived, 

But was struggling to live 

For the one she believed 
Had honor to give. 

The hand so small 

Still holding the pen 
Had summoned the call 

From heaven then. 

Tender and true 

She had always been. 
Although she knew 

That a life of sin 

Would drag her down 

Where disgrace would follow 
From a height of renown 

By one so shallow. 

Imprisoned now 

And behind the wall 
With a stain on his brow 

To curse his fall. 



90 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

There by his side 

Through tempest and storm 
She had sought to abide 

The cold world's scorn. 

How could she rise 

Above this stain 
Where in honor lies 

All hopes again. 

Her little boy 

Must ever remain 
In the sunshine and joy 

Which happiness gain. 

God never forgets 

And if we but try 
A rainbow he sets 
In the dark sky. 

That pleading face 

With the sad, sad eyes 

Had only to place 
Her faith in the skies. 

Holding in hand 

This cycle of truth 
Which the riven sand 

Had stricken in youth. 

The little slip 

Of paper I had 
Cast a tale from the lip 

Of both good and bad. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 91 

Her life on earth 

Was near its close 
And immortal birth 

Her maker but chose. 

Her soul's desire 

Was to here remain 
And fight with fire 

That sinful stain. 

But God had called 

Her spirit beyond 
Which was here enthralled 

And must now respond. 

O, who would take care 

Of her boy she said 
On the streets he would share 

A sluggard's bed. 

And a life of vice 

He would surely live 
Just to pay the price 

That beggars give. 

Then I told her 

I would take her child 
And thus would shoulder 

Her burdens wild. 

So peacefully she passed away 

With a smile of trust upon her face. 

Thus my duty I've tried to obey 

And given her boy an honored place. 



92 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Morning is slowly drifting away 

While daylight is sifting her sparks through 
the sky, 
Noontide is nearing with colors gay, 

Soon evening's shadowy wings will fly. 

Night passed away 

At the early dawn 
Of another day 

Her shadows had gone. 

Guarded in past 

By storm-riven clouds, 
We determined at last 

To bury all shrouds. 

Gently and softly 

Time creepeth by. 
Silently and loftily 

Death peepeth nigh, 
And we know not whene he cometh 
Or whither goeth. 
We sigh 

As he passeth by 
Or draweth nigh, 
For we fear 
He cometh here 
To await 
But our fate, 
Ad he giveth 
A tomb 
For each one's doom. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 93 

My little child 

Was happy and free, 
Not a shadow had 

Darkened his life by me. 

He knew not the evil 

Ways of men. 
Nor what the dark clouds 

In life were then. 

Just skipping along 

Like a free butterfly 
And chirping his song 

With the birds in the sky. 

His little soul 

Seemed to shrink within 
From the touch of one 

Who was steeped in sin. 

He cherished nature 

And loved all flowers, 
And often stayed with them 

For hours. 

One morning I found him 

By a little bird's nest 
With four little birds 

All cuddled to rest. 

He had chosen them 

As friendly guides 
To show him the road 

Down the rough world's side. 



94 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

So struggling to read 
Some of nature's gist 

And sowing the seed 
For human grist. 

Gathering full weights 
For immortal scales 

And recording all rates 
Of the dying tales. 

Let his character reap 

Rewards of merit 
And his conscience weep 

For what he inherit. 

My aim shall be 

To let him live 
As happy and free 

As nature doth give. 

Unconscious of sin 

He will uplift 
And be sure to win 

Many gone adrift. 

His agel mother 

Watches over him now 
As never another 

Can guard that brow. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 95 

And an emblem of love 

His example shines forth, 
Pure as a dove 

This child of true worth. 

A noble man 

He is sure to be, 
Doing the best he can 

For humanity. 



Ca0t ^^^ ^unbeam^ all ^coutiti 

Sow such seeds of goodness 

Which angels gladly bless 
And the dawning brotherhood 

Of passion will grow less. 

The crowning joys of motherhood 

So often met and known 
Are when her boys are good 

And their noble deeds are sown. 

Let the music of thy soul 

Reach the humble and the weak. 

Let the fleecy clouds unroll 

Life's sweet peace which all doth seek. 



96 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Play upon the tender heart strings 
With thy purest, truest love, 

For there somehow always brings 
God's great blessings from above. 

Man alone can ne'er resist 

Though he be by Satan bound, 

For such charms as these uplift 
Cast thy sunbeams all around. 



Crown thy head with roses 
For the queen of all is she, 

With the gift of love reposes 
Her incense of harmony. 

Walk in the light of the perfume 
Which this flower ever holds. 

Within the essence of her bloom 
Lies the sweetness she unfolds. 






The crown of success 

Lies in deepness of thought 
And action to guess 

What nature hath wrought. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 97 

So give but reward 

To life giving toil, 
And he who strives hard 

To succor the soul. 

Plant deep in the mind 

Where mysteries sprout, 
The seed of all kind 

When scattered about. 

Care should be given 

To only accept 
Pure thoughts from heaven 

Where wisdom is kept. 

Such life-giving seeds 

Repays for the toil, 

From God in the soil. 
Supplying man's needs 

Can you scarcely read 

My upturned thoughts, 
So weak and so frail is my brain, 

I would sow the seed 
So sparingly brought, 

To gain new germs again. 

I would reap reward 

For my efforts here. 
Through these little scattering sprouts 

Which will ever retard 
When evil appear, 

But will scatter the good about. 



98 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Cj^tmese of ^^ous^t 

The rays of light that peer from Heaven, 

Are here for us to follow. 

The truth which spirits hath, 

Shall ever be given to those who have 

striven. 
Every chain hath its link. 
Every deed its thought. 
All forms of God's creation 
Have their parts, their work and station. 
What man hath wrought, 
Oft comes to naught. 

An angel sought relief 
From bitter weeping woes, 
Her sadness was distressing, 
P^or other days transgressing. 
For evil grows 
Where sin o'erflows. 

No ray of light her soul can find 
No love or sweet caressing. 
No rest for her, nor blessing. 
All these her mind 
Had cast behind. 

God counts us all but fractions 
To make a mighty whole. 
So in a line we're going 
Both high and low not knowing 
That every soul 
Must reach his goal. 



GEMS OF THOUaHT 99 

One thing at a time 

Is the motto in life. 

Step by step learning to walk, 

Word by word learning to talk, 

In harmony we find 

All nature combined. 



When the link is broken 

The very chain is rent in twain. 

God seeks his children's hearts 

In ways of better parts. 

Come to the arms 

Of nature's willing charms. 

O dark is the spot 

Of sin's cruel blot, 

O bright is the ray 

That cleanseth the way. 

Many in crime 

Their spirits enshrine, 

But love will reclaim, 

E'en those bowed with shame. 



The spark that reigneth forever 
Is like the tender glow 
That falls upon the dew drop 
And makes it sparkle so. 
It gives all nature color, 
And life with which to grow. 



100 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

The angel who doth suffer 
In bitter weeping woes, 
Doth see a light far distant 
Oh, 'tis God's crystal beam 
That doth forever gleam. 
Already hope upon her dawns 
From the touch of its gentle rays 
And while she seeks for comfort 
Upon her heart it plays. 



^ici{ up t^t %ittlt Ctumb0 

O, the little gems of life bread 
That we waste or throw away, 

For all these seem so trifling 
To spare our time each day. 

O, the little rays of sunshine 
Why did God make them so, 

To reach the hidden leaflets 
That each of them might grow. 

Man cannot use these trifles 
He has no time you know, 

To save the smaller pieces, 
So he will let them go. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 101 

Doth God remember only 

The great minds he hath made ? 

Why, we are but the bread crumbs 
That lie within the shade. 

Our great Creator hath 

His laws so wisely planned 

That dust to dust united 

Doth make our pleasant land. 

That many drops of water 
Hath made the ocean great, 

And so the little ounces 
In union make the weight. 

When we cast away the pieces 
How can we save the whole 

To form our strength in union 
Is written on life's scroll. 

The thoughts of man united 
Have made our nation strong. 

Pick up the little bread crumbs 
And place where they belong. 

O the many deeds of kindness, 
The smiles and words of love 

All these with songs united 
Are blessed by God above. 

If in our noble efforts 

We could unite in one 
With strength from such a union 

What evil we might shun. 



102 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Pick up the little life crumbs 
These help to make us strong. 

The trifling deeds of kindness, 
We need to fight the wrong. 

O father, teach thy children 

That great things come from small, 

That little crumbs neglected, 
May cause us yet to fall. 



Si &miU 

A smile traveled many a mile 
It rose from the lips of a little child. 
And fell on the vision of a youth so wild 
Which softened his heart for a little while. 

His thoughts were changed to a higher plane, 
And there he paused in his downward course 
Looked once more to a higher source 
Till good resolutions were formed again. 

That sunny smile brightened the road 
Of that wayward lad steeped in sin 
The innocent love shed within 
A ray of hope which lightened his load. 

In a smile or a word or a deed 
O the good that we may sow 
We can never, never know 
'Till "tis ripened in the seed. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 103 

O give us, heavenly Father 
A touch of wisdom's worth ^ 

That we may be more patient 
While dwelling here on earth. 

O Father, Father, Father, 

I plead and be,g you spare 
And settle all these troubles 

Which greet me everywhere. 

These little bits of trinkets 

Which are to me so great 
Are but the smaller trifles 

Of human price or fate. 

My little waxy leaflet 

Hath nought but human skill. 
Just spare my human judgment 

That I may reason still. 



O God, with thine infinite wisdom 

Teach us how to live 
That we may accomplish every day 

What thou hast ordained us to give. 

We watch the little seedling 

As it bursts its tiny shell 
And the tvv^o little leaves and bud shoot forth 

Beginning their life's work well. 



104 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

We see the grand old oak 

Which was once a seedhng. too, 
In its branches and leaves and majestic form 

God's law is perfect and true. 

From the busy ant and humble bee 

A lesson we may con ; 
Though both are small and helpless too, 

Their work is wisely done. 

Each one of God's creation 

Has its mission to perform, 
From the noblest king of all the beasts 

To the smallest grain of corn. 

He who is endowed with reason 

Alone forsakes the plan ; 
And sin and sorrow, with remorse and pain 

Is the just retribution of man. 

Then why should we scorn God's law. 

And ever his will disobey? 
Shun the path of the pure 
And crush the truth 

To follow the sinful way. 

Let reason and judgment teach us, 

And observation too. 
That peace and contentment 
Can only be found 

Ry obeying God's law thmugh. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 105 

UlXtlcomt t^e (Minn ano &noU) 

O welcome the snow, 
And welcome the blow 

Of the wind from the far north east; 
For all must know, 
'Tis better so. 

For man as well as beast. 

And though the ground freeze 
From the cold, wintry breeze, 

'Tis better for all, we know; 
For he who is just. 
In whom we must trust. 

Doth send us the wind and snow. 

So cool down your ire 
And keep up the fire 

Then welcome the beautiful snow; 
And when comes the night, 
Just think that 'tis right 

For the cold north winds to blow. 

Chorus. 

O beautiful snow, 
O beautiful snow. 

Sent o'er all from on high ; 
O'er just and unjust, 
God's spirit doth glow, 

With the wind which passeth by. 



106 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Toil on then, turn thy tired eye 

To a higher plane of joy. 
Thy precepts show the clear blue sky 

To many a younger boy. 

These little deeds which thou canst do 
Will better thought^ awaken, 

For all the way thy journey through 
Life's record here is taken. 

Sin but approves of evil pleasure, 
Thus Satan rules by wilful measure. 

Rolling waves of tide turn high 

When God's wind goes whirling by. 

The weak must lean upon the strong; 

The poor upon the rich recline. 
Just and unjust here belong, 

While God's sun o'er all doth shine. 



^^om Call ^t Btabtf 

Whom call ye brave? 

The one you see 
Who loves to wave 

His colors free? 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 107 



Whom call ye brave? 

The Mother pale 
Who seeks to save 

From the savage gale. 

Whom call ye brave? 

He who must fight 
That he may save 

His Country's right. 

Whom call ye brave? 

Those who desire 
A war to save 

Their homes from fire? 

Whom call ye brave? 

He who will strive 
By work to save 

And keep alive? 

Whom call ye brave? 

All who uplift 
His fellow knave, 

Just gone adrift? 

Whom call ye brave? 

All those who love 
An honored grave 

And a home above? 



108 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

The harvest time hath come, 

The gladdest of the year, 
When busy flies and beetles drum 

Their music in each ear. 

When fancied dreams are filled with heat 

Beside the cooling stream, 
When faithful gnats and spiders' feet 

Oft in our visions seem. 

When everything we eat 

All insects want as well, 
And seek the best of every treat 

Which human eyes can tell. 

The sunny side of life 

These little workers seek. 
Though wakening such a human strife 

Between both strong and weak. 



Sttat il5ot 

Fear not, for I am with you, 

My rod and my staff shall comfort you. 

I am a messenger of peace 

And will restore thy soul : 

Walk in the light of thy music. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 109 

tile Wiite, 9^ot^ttt anti €itmn 

A woman's heart is filled with love 
For duty to her God above 
To think, to care for those most dear 
Her willing soul doth struggle here. 

Plunged in the darkest depths of hell 
Such misery that no tongue can tell 
She lives and works with desperate will 
For human ties which bind her still. 

If she be good and pure and true 
What countless wonders she can do. 
No living man can fail to bow 
Or bend the knee to meet her now. 

Her beauties and her strength of mind 
Can ever win and sway mankind. 
For woman's will and woman's power 
Doth charm all those within her bower. 



If man be blest with such a gift 
He ne'er will fall or turn adrift, 
But on a higher plane will move 
For her whom he has learned to love. 

O, wife, then strive thou so to live 
That thine own soul pure light may give 
To those with whom thou cast thy lot 
That not a stain thy home may blot 



110 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Then let the sunshine in thy heart 
That thou may'st ever do thy part 
To make thy home so dear to him 
That he may love to dwell therein. 

Be a companion, good and true. 
Do unto him as thou wish him to do. 
Unite as one to do thy work 
And never from that duty shirk. 

Confide in him and he'll return 
That confidence for which you yearn. 
No secret thought should you withhold 
But every truth to him unfold. 

Then should misfortune come thy way 
True love will brighten the darkest day. 
Re true in all thine efforts here 
And thou wilt rise in woman's sphere. 

Till earthly subjects all will bow 
And place the laurels on thy brow. 
The duties that a wife should show 
Are such that every man shall know. 

That with her husband she will rise 
To win some truth which never dies. 
Maidens, wives and mothers 
Those husbands, sons and brothers, 

Are all waiting thy command 
Ever ready for thy hand 
To be guided up or down 
By a smile or wicked frown. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT ill 

Woman, if thou wilt, thou can 
Form the character of man. 
From thyself thou can'st impart 
A principle at the very start. 

If thou walk'st upright and pure 
No wicked man thou can'st endure. 
Scorn his vice on every side 
For his crime he cannot hide. 

Show him that he cannot win 

Your heart and hand, when steeped in sin. 

The Angels sang of Trouble, of Mercy and 

of Peace 
For life, like waters bubble, and turmoils 

never cease. 

Like little saplings bent and bruised 
E'er from their parent they are loosed, 
So unborn babes are blotted, stained 
While life in darkness hath reamined. 

O, mothers, these future lives wilt thou so 

blight 
That they will never seek the right? 
These little hearts wilt thou so stain 
That they will always so remain? 

Guard well thy thoughts, thy ways, thy will, 
No passion let thy bosom fill, 
So when these gems are brought to light 
They are perfect in God's sight. 



112 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

That such lives may ever be 

Emblems of a perfect tree. 

For these souls art thou not given 

To form and mould and shape for Heaven? 

O, the little children growing 
Are but led by us not knowing 
How as patterns are our actions 
To these tiny bits of fractions. 

Teach the child when very small 
That he must learn himself to crawl, 
That he must likewise conquer wrong 
If he would be both great and strong. 

Upon the future generation 
Depends the life blood of our nation. 
On the daughters, ye wives and mothers, 
Just as well as on their brothers. 

Teach her that our country's honor 
Doth as well depend upon her 
As the boy who now is learning 
That his country's future turning 

Will upon him soon depend 
And he soon his help must lend. 
That she a citizen, too, must be 
To keep her country pure and free. 

Let the future sister, brother 
P>e a help to one another. 
Shoulder to shoulder, side by side. 
May they walk, with God as guide. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 113 

Since it is the mother's plan 
Which rules the destiny of man, 
Since it is the wife's control 
O'er the purity of the soul, 

Then why should she not be in need 
To help her brother form the creed? 
Why not help to make the laws, 
To upbuild, or find the flaws? 

Surely both, if hand in hand. 
Are better able to command 
For the husband and the wife 
Should united be in life. 

So unbind this cruel fetter. 
That our country may grow better. 
Angels then will sing the story 
Or our nation and her glory. 



jQDnl)? a USLait 

I have no thoughts save when I am told 
To tell some tale that has long been old. 
Then like a bard I sing o'er and o'er 
Till the embers burn on my hearth no more. 

'Tis strange those tales I remember so well 
These shadows that long o'er my pathway 

fell, 
When I was too young to know just why 
I offered my prayers up to the blue sky. 



114 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Somehow I felt that somewhere on high 
An infinite power could draw very nigh 
And so, far off in the Heaven above 
I searched for my Father, my comfort, my 
love. 

I feel no sighs save when I recall 
The saddest of pictures, a woman's down- 
fall. 
My mind has recorded no scene in the past 
So weird and so strange as that poor out- 
cast. 

Somehow I know no sorrow so great 
As a poor little orphan left to his fate ; 
Left by a mother in dark despair 
To live or to die, somehow, somewhere. 

O, woman, thou hast a wondrous gift 
A power to charm or send adrift. 
Shame on thee who wilt so degrade 
As to cast thyself in eternal shade. 

O, mother, how could'st thou forsake thy 

child 
And leave him alone in a world so wild 
To drift and to drift, with no one to love, 
Save the kind Father who guideth above. 

I was born through sin without a name 
And into this world in shame I came 
I lived on the streets when I was small 
Without any parents to care at all. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 115 

A kiss or caress I then never knew 

How could one expect me to be good and 

true? 
Once I remember a little girl came 
And placing her arm round me, asked me 

my name. 

She said her mamma was sorry for me, 
And she was as sorry as sorry could be, 
'Cause my mamma had gone far away 
And left me here all alone to stay. 

My poor little heart so hungry had grown 
That it warmed at the touch of this child 

unknown. 
And that pity so kindly and gently given 
Started my feet on the way toward Heaven. 

I thought some day, I'll be worthy to play 
With dear little girls like her today, 
And so I'll be just as good as I can. 
Maybe I'll know her when I'm a man. 

O, the curse of a stain from a mother's 

name 
How it clings to her children with hisses 

and shame 
Till sometimes it seems that God cannot 

know 
That these little waifs must feel the blow. 

I used to think my parents' sin 
Made Heaven harder for me to win 
Though Angels pitied, the world was cold 
And cursed me for their tales untold. 



116 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Cursed me simply because I was born 
And cast me aside in bitter scorn. 
I resolved to rise above the foe 
That I they yet might seek to know. 

And now at last I have reached a place 
Where I can look man in the face 
And I have ever taken time 
To comfort those brought here through 
crime. 

And yet we feel we are all too young 
To know the future of life begun. 
We must calmly wait for the time to come 
When these bodies are dead and our senses 
numb. 

We cannot judge what the change will 

bring 
To those who suffer or those who sing. 
But they who take life in their hands 
May find their souls in sinking sands. 

God alone doth know just why 
He placed man here to live and die 
So let us be content to stay 
Till He shall take us in his way. 

Hath He not given time to tell 
About how long on earth to dwell? 
Then let us fill our station here 
Lest we may pay a price more dear. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 117 

'Twas a pitiful tale my mother's woe 
Who had risen high to fall so low, 
For love of one who sought to see 
That she might yet be as low as he. 

My mother, poor mother, sunk in despair 
When love and strength had vanished there, 
Driven through shame to the lowest round 
She gave up to die when I was found. 

My life began through the care of one 
Who thought not of God, nor evil to shun, 
But greedily gained her spoils on earth 
By keeping such children as I from birth. 

'Twas not from pity she sought to do 
But to gain rewards from those she knew 
Would rather give than to bear the blame 
That the world might cast on an honored 
name. 

My body was clothed and fed full well 
But my famished soul no comfort could tell. 
For little knew I of goodness or love 
Save when it was whispered by Angels 
above. 

Did God look kindly down on me 

And see how lonely my heart must be? 

Did he watch and guide through all those 

years 
When I needed my mother's smiles and 

tears ? 



118 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

O. pity the poor little orphan boy 
Who is nobody's pride and nobody's joy, 
Who must cross the bridges of life alone 
Who must carry his load though weighted 
with stone. 

Friendless and poor with nobody's name 
How can he be good with nothing but 

shame? 
No love, no mercy, no kindness known. 
To the poor little waif all alone unknown. 

I struggled long e're I rose above 
The cold dark waves of sinful love 
E'er I conquered and won 
The higher plane of an honored son. 

But the stain washed away 

And I stand here today 

Honored and loved by those good and true 

Only for what I have tried to do. 

My hair is white with age now 

And the wrinkles have gathered on cheek 

and brow, 
My form is bent, my step is slow 
For soon to the grave my body must go. 

My soul is almost ready for flight 
Away from a world where sin doth blight 
Where one will not weary in doing right 
Nor tire in searching for wisdom and light. 

Where children unblessed on earth shall be 
Purer and lietter than you and me ; 
Singing and happy, their l)urdens unrolled 
Thus doth God gather his Inml^s to his fold. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 119 

SI mctutt ot Batutt0 mtnan iFlotoerjS 

One morning at dawn of day 

Two dainty souls were born. 
One was thought a golden ray 

The other, but a thorn. 

While one awoke 'mid flowers 

Whose fragrance filled the air, 
The other felt for hours 

The ash-heap's burning care. 

While one through love was nurtured i 

And tended day by day. 

The other hate had tortured jji 

In every evil way. • | 

These germs from earth life given 

In soil which man had tilled 
Must bud and bloom for Heaven 

E'er Nature's plans are filled. 

Two forces which man controls 

Surrounds these tiny plants, 
To culture their waking souls 

For future wills and wants. 

Such powers, which man hath said 

Are known by Love and Hate, 
Both these minds were fed and led 

As subjects to their fate. 



120 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Jack Marew from Hatred grew 
'Mid places hard and cold 

But Nellie Bell's life could tell 
Of Love which ne'er grew old. 

In shadows of creeping Time 
In bitter strength of woe, 

In fetters of reeking crime 

Jack's soul doth form and grow. 

In jewels of loving rhyme 

I will paint these pictures long, 

Should I fail in perfect time 
Or mix my colors wrong. 

Then He who counts the fractions 
Which form the migiity whole, 

Must judge of human actions 
As he corrects the soul. 

These two brought here to earth-life, 
Through wicked thought and vice, 

From early dawn of birth-strife 
Were sheltered for a price. 

One bound by Love to duty 
W^ith harmony and care 

Found peace and joy and beauty. 
Glad welcome to her there. 

The other knew no pleasure 
Since blackest clouds of Hate 

Were holden as a treasure 
For vices to create. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 121 

Hope reveal, the power we weal 

O'er destiny and might, 
Conscience seal, life's appeal 

When the Soul would live right. 

Future soil of love and toil 

Awake in mind the thought, 
To unfoil a sad turmoil 

Of every kind that's brought. 

To uplift those who would drift 

In places hard and cold 
Honor's gift will not shift 

Those wicked vile or bold. 

Sin is lust and hence will rust 

The brightest kind of ware. 
Do not thrust all future trust 

In everybody's care. 

O, urge the mind to live aright 
Through chilling blasts of scorn. 

Though stormed by Hate through all the night 
Love conquers in the morn. 

As nature's wheel goes around 

And rate of time moves on, 
These children we have found 

New sense of wisdom don. 

Little Jack soon learns to rout 

All care or thought of joy. 
But seeks to know what is about 

To give his mind employ. 



122 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

His ever black desire for sin 

Comes from a burning sense within, 
Given by his parent's crime 

To stain his httle soul with slime. 

But God will shape these flowers 

Whom man embitters so, 
And through refreshing showers 

Will show them how to grow. 

Jack's thorny life yet may reach 

The higher plane of will 
Which baffles sin and will teach 

Right sense of honor still. 

These little lambs in the field 

Without a mother's care 
God's tender love forms a shield 

To shelter everywhere. 

And though hardships are so great, 
'Tis planned that all should learn 

To grow stronger with the weight 
Which time and folly turn. 

Thirteen years flew quickly by 

When summoned fate soon changed 

The youthful mind wherein doth lie 
All future hopes deranged. 

O, Hope, wherein doth folly lie 
Which turneth time and tune 

Seeking life's dull weary sigh 
For sinful hearts so soon 



(jp:ais of thought 123 

Did Hatred form her footpath, 

Beside Life's winding road 
That she may taint with bhnd wrath 

All Folly's ways bestowed? 

But Nellie Bell's Hfe was filled 

With soulful love within. 
Which a mother's heart instilled 

In sorrow for her sin. 

That mother on her death-bed 

Gave her child in God's care 
To be fed and humbly led 

By friends in pity there. 

So innocent and so pure 

She prayed might ever be 
Her tiny babe kept secure 

From Satan's ruining tree. 

She begged them ne'er to mention 

The folly and the crime 
Which sin through wild dissension 

Her life did undermine. 

Beneath the snow they laid her 
Where soulless frames must lie, 

And Nature's laws decayed her 
With wisdom's ruling eye. 

But her little daughter grew 
Both winsome, sweet and true, 

Though sheltered by friends she knew 
The Angels guided too. 



124 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Her love became most boundless 
For friendless orphan souls, 

Will such bright hopes be groundless 
When built on sandy shoals? 

So Nellie through love of right 
Was one of God's choice plants 

To form the future bright 
Through her delicate haunts. 

God mixed her mortar for her 

Colored her petals o'er, 
And threw his mantle o'er her 

When e'er she went ashore. 

Her little lamp of guidance 
Threw over heart and soul 

A spirit of confidence 
To li!J:ht her o'er the shoal. 

When first she met the little Jack 
She found him all alone 

With a cat upon its back 
He'd weighted with a stone. 

Oh, how it ever pained her 
To meet such bitter woe, 

A cruel blow which stained her 
As crimes on life bestow. 

His joy in such a measure 
Expressed with keen delight. 

Gave sin and sorrow ]:)leasure 
While Hatred tolled the plight. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 125 

She took the kitten from him, 
And with the love she bore 

The spark of life grown dim 
Recalled to earth once more. 

Then by a kindly story 

Resolved to teach just how 

A future higher glory 
Depended on them now. 

How these poor weakly creatures 

Were given to man's care 
And we as faithful teachers 

Should guard them everywhere. 

Her little loving spirit 

Cast such a radiant light 
Truth gave her thoughts a merit 

To strengthen for the right. 

She said, "Let's have a playhouse. 

In this big box out here, 
And make it kitty's stay-house 

To hide when dogs come near." 

And so they played together 

Forming a friendship's tie 
A knot of peace drawn hither 

By bonds which seldom die. 

The little thoughtful maiden 
Always striving for some good, 

Her spirit ever laden 

With thoughts of brotherhood. 



126 Ci E M S 1-' THOUGH T 

Ah ! many an orphan child 

Through thorny paths of sin 
Are but tainted and defiled 

While striving thus to win. 

Will God's protecting arm 

Surround such lives as these 
Keeping from all worldly harm 

Saplings of wornout trees? 

Or does he within us stir 

A willing desire to save 
Through pity when crimes occur 

Poor children under the wave? 

Well I recall the morning 

Which checked Jack's downward course, 
Only a timely warning 

Saving his life from worse. 

He and two other comrades 

Thought it to be such fun 
To trip with a rope some lads 

Or girls, and then just run. 

It would only cause a shock 

And make the children cry. 
So they stretched across the walk 

A rope for passers by, 

They wanted to see them fall, 

But could not tell just why, 
And they did not care at all, 

Though their faces were awry. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 127 

After a while old Grandpa Tweed, 

Whose eyesight was so dim, 
Wended his way without heed. 

They never thought of him. 

A little child five in years 

Leading him by the hand, 
Took away his many fears 

With her little winsome wand. 

Weird and queer my tale may seem. 

The moral does not change. 
For bright lights will ever gleam 

While darkness must derange. 

Will the shadows on the wall 

Disturb the soul at night? 
Will dark plots of sin at all 

Waken thoughts of right? 

Jack, the leader of this game, 

Watched with a luring smile. 
Though he felt a bitter shame 

Creep o'er his soul the while. 

Grim and strange these acts and deeds, 

But life is full of such 
And like poison thorns and weeds 

Choke where e'er they touch. 

Somehow Hatred born within 

Covered his heart until 
Conscience knew no pangs of sin 

Against his own free will. 



128 (^KMS OF THOUGHT 

Grandpa and the child would fall 
He knew full well, but then 

A little jar would be all 
And they could rise again. 

As slowly they came aloni; 

She so chattered ad chimed 
Like a sweet-voiced bird in song 

Whose cadence ever rhymed. 

But when they stumbled and fell 
A coarse rough laugh was heard 

Which wakened the depths of hell 
And hearts of demons stirred. 

But Jack will soon learn to rout 
Demons like these, 'twere said, 

They were simply trying to scout 
All wisdom out of his head. 

When poor Grandpa rose no more 
And the small arm lay broken, 

A sadder light began to dawn 
Which no one yet had spoken. 

Woe, woe, to the little friend, 
Woe, woe, to selfishness, 

To the heart which only dreamed 
Of some elfishness. 

Too late had dawned the warning, 
For Grandpa w^as no more. 

But gone to greet the morning 
On that far distant shore. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 129 

Only the frame had waited 

To rest in that final tomb. 
To return to dust as fated 

That other flowers might bloom. 

Sad ! sad, must the leaf unroll, 

Reveal to all the plan. 
Scarlet hues which dull the soul 

Will first attach the man. 

Grandpa's feeble life was given 

And that little arm broken 
To convey thoughts of Heaven 

To these souls unspoken. 

Can it unfoil the serpent's coil. 
Heal the wound once made? 

O, little Jack, wilt thy toil 
Now cause the past to fade? 

Woe befell the withered leaf 
And the poor blighted form 

Which had tarried on the reef 
Died like a trodden worm. 

When Jack saw that life taken. 

And the small broken arm. 
Tender thoughts began to waken 

And then create alarm. 

'Till he could not find relief 
X"or gain true sleep at night 

For the fullness of his grief 
Which conscience kept in sight. 



130 G E M S O F THOUGHT 

He called the boys together 
And formed a faithful Band 

To check such mischief, rather 
Than form it hand in hand. 

Grandpa Tweed had been so blessed 
And loved by children, too, 

No thought of harm had he guessed 
Which girls or boys might do. 

•So Grandpa Tweed was taken 

To start Jack in the right 
And better thoughts to waken 

Which guard boys through the night. 

Grandpa's life was taken 

And how Jack worked for right, 

The old road now forsaken 
He used to trod at night. 

He and the boys then plighted 

A sacred promise each 
To be for good united 

And higher motives teach. 

So earnest and undaunted 
Was this, the vow they made. 

An evergreen they planted 

Where Grandpa's form was laid. 

To always so remind them 
What work was theirs in view 

For that dear life given gem 
Had taught them what to do. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 131 

I gave to you the story 

Of Jack and little Nell 
For sample of life's glory 

Which these poor orphans tell. 

The little seeds which we all 

In our surroundings sow 
May help some soul to rise or fall 

Though we may never know. 

So let us guard our actions 

And be prepared to meet 
The smaller bits of fractions 

Which crumble 'neath our feet. 



Waking or sleeping 
A sad sweet face 

Smiling or weeping 
Sin leaves no trace. 

Morning or evening 
'Tis just the same 

Scorning or grieving 
A pillar of flame. 



132 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Raising and wearing 
Her standard high, 

Praising and daring 
Her God is nigh. 

A character formed 
So pure and deep 

Though beaten and stormed 
Still flowers reap. 

Pretty and youthful 

A country lass, 
With charms so truthful 

O, who can pass? 

All glory the name 
And give just praise 

To the one whose fame 
Shows better ways. 

O, where can you find 

One beautiful. 
So purely designed 

And dutiful? 

Such maidens are rare 

And all will bow 
To honor a fair 

Sweet thoughtful ]:)row. 

Tenderly caring 
For younger minds 

So bravely daring 
All webs she finds. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 13a 

Just sowing the seeds 
Which she hath brought 

Just showing good deeds 
To those she taught. 

Angels will weave her 

A crown to wear 
And death shall leave her 

No pains to bear. 

God grant that others 

May see her light 
And give young mothers 

Her sense of right. 

Guiding little ones 

Through stormy ways 
Thus shielding God's sons 

In younger days. 

No grander mission 

Is in the world. 
For soon transition 

From youth is whirled. 

And happy childhood 

Will pass with time 
Leaving the wild-wood 

For others to climb. 

Who is it that makes 

Our world sublime? 
Who is it that takes 

Away earth's crime? 



134 GEMS P^ THOUGHT 

Is it not children 

Of other days, 
And God who willed them 

Choose better ways? 

Are not these the ones 
Who now cherish 

The flag other's sons 
Sought to perish ? 

Whenever the clouds 

Cover the sky, 
And trouble so shrouds 

Life's beautiful tie, 

Then lift up thine eyes 
Beyond the sky 

And courage will rise 
Though daylight die. 

For darkness of sin 

Ever so black 
True prayer within 

Shall pierce her track. 

And a ray of light 
With Heaven's glow 

Will brighten the night 
And sin o'erthrow. 

But grief of years gone by 
Faded the flower 

Of these children nigh 
Within her bower. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 135 

For a drunkard's fate 

Her husband knew 
And he grew to hate 

His loved ones too. 

The wife of his life 

Soon pined away 
Then bitterest strife 

Carried full sway. 

'Till our maiden pure 

Rose up in arms 
To firmly secure 

From father's harms. 

So under her wing 

These children grew. 
Just learning to sing 

The language she knew. 

How purely the pearls 

Of thought will come 
When nature unfurls 

Her spirits dumb. 

To whisper faintly 

In human ear 
Her mysteries saintly 

Both far and near. 

And chimes of her rhyme 

All gladly hail 
Enchantments of Time 

E'en cannot fail. 



136 GEMS O F THOUGHT 

O, list to her song 
All the day long. 

'Twill deaden the wrong 
Of evil strong. 

'Twill brighten a ray 
Of hope some day 

When gone astray 
Though far away. 

A father giving 

His soul for wine, 

His daughter living 
A life divine. 

The one forsaking 
His children here, 

The other taking 
His place to cheer. 

The one surrounding 
His home with gloom, 

The other founding 

Love's flowers to bloom. 

Placed in the arms 
Of sin's cruel charms 

Whose serpents design 
To tempt with wine. 

The drunkard oft shows 

His bitter woes 
Where the demons curse 

Will blight him worse. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 137 

'Till his brain so fires 

With wrong desires 
That a bloody crime 

Results in time. 

And now I must tell 

The awful tale 
Which sadly befell 

With a drunkard's wail. 

Why little ones too 

j\Iust suffer so 
When parents will do 

The wrong- they know. 

O, why must they feel 

The cruel blow? 
No sacred appeal 

Doth check the woe. 

Early in the fall 

The grain was sold 
Which farmers call 

Their stay and hold. 

Providing for those 

Sheltered at home 
E'er deadening throes 

Of Winter come. 

But our maiden knows 

How the money goes, 
And she strives in vain 

All comforts to gain. 



138 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

But the greed of thirst 
Comes ever first, 

And wine overthrows 
What reason he knows. 

One bright Autumn day 
When all looked gay, 

Blackbirds were singing 
Their joy bringing. 

While the world below 

So happy grew 
In the sunshine's glow 

Sang carols too. 

'Twas on this fair day 
The tempest came 

That destroyed each ray 
Of hope with shame. 

Which blighted the fair 
Sweet joys of home. 

Uniting despair 

With future gloom. 

The children playing 

In the garden, 
Saw not the straying 

Danger harden. 

'Till a fiendish cry 

Pierced through the air, 

And a cruel die 
Was painted there. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 139 

Those motherless lambs 

Soon saw their fate 
In the sin-bound drachms 

Of wine and hate. 

'Tis a story told 

So often still 
How the demon sold 

Madden the will. 

When the father wild 

Doth kill his child 
With a deadly blow 

He does not know. 

While the little one 

So pale and cold, 
Whose pure life now gone 

Angels enfold. 

With a serpent's hiss 

He breathed his curse 
And v;ith thoughts like this, 

He scorned life worse. 

"Now to fiery hell 

I'll fight my way, 
And the fiends will tell 

Me where to stay. 

"And so I will crush 

Every life I can 
As onward I rush 

To the fate of man. 



140 GEMS OF T f I U G H T 

"I'll make the blood flow 
With bitter curse, 

And my deadly blows 
Will be life's hearse. 

"Ho! O, ho! for sin 
And vice and crime, 

'Tis the way to win 
My hellish shrine." 

With screams of fright 

The children ran 
To hide from the sight 

Of a drunken man. 

His daughter seeing 
The children fleeing 

With ai)prehension 
Won his attention. 

Diverting his mind 

To things behind 
E'er his thoughts were shaped 

They had all escaped. 

But the bright-eyed boy 
With golden hair. 

Their sunshine and joy 
Lay bleeding there. 

This little child 

So pure in life, 
So undefiled 

And free from strife. 



GEMS OF T H O UGH T 141 

Just budding to bloom 

When stricken down, 
Now finding his tomb 

With a baby's crown. 

While lifting gently 

The drooping head 
And staunching intently 

The blood so red, 

Our maiden but stood 

A soldier's test 
As a brave girl should 

When it was best. 

Will passion in life 

To conquer strife 
Alike be dead 

When all hath fled. 

God pity the maiden 

So over laden 
From the deadly cup 

Which men will sup. 

The purely designed 

Are never blind, 
Though threads unwind 

Of every kind. 

Such follow the true 

All the way through 
Though dangers ensue 

Whatever they do. 



142 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

The father near by 
With blood-shot eye. 

Was stained with a flood 
Of his child's blood. 

But he laughed in glee 
Then sought to see 

In a flaming fire 
His mad desire. 

And before she knew 
What course to pursue 

His destruction grew 
In a fire too. 

The home of their childhood 
Now robed in red, 

And close to the wild wood 
Where flames could spread. 

That baby brother 
She knew was dead 

To join his mother 
His spirit fled. 

So sadly she turned 
And left him there 

To the home now burned 
Beyond her care. 

Like the maiden true 

She sought to see 
If the other two 

Were safe and free. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 

There the father lay 
In the dense smoke 

Where the fires would play 
And the gas soon choke. 

But the demon's curse 

Had left his will 
In a stupor worse 

Than death could fill. 

With hope undaunted 
She sought to save 

His life, though haunted 
Worse than a slave. 

For she loved him still 
Though cursed until 

His poor maddened will 
Had sought to kill. 

She remembered now 

In time gone by 
Of a father's vow 

To God on high. 

She was then a child 
Too young to know 

Why that vision wild 
Impressed her so. 

And her mother's face 
AH wet with tears 

Showed to her no trace 
Of doubts and fears. 



143 



< 



144 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

But for many years 

He kept his vow 
And withstood all sneers 

Which men allow. 

When the downfall came 

A friendly foe 
Returned the same 

Gone years ago. 

O, a sad pale face, 

A broken heart 
Was the answered trace 

Of figured art. 

He had sought to efiface 
That wounded place 

By a cherished vow 
Forgotten now. 

Angels recorded 

His efforts vain. 
But man rewarded 

With wine again. 

To the lowest round 
He soon went down 

When his honor bound 
Had lost renown. 

O, the evil chase 
Of a devil's race 

Where the wine-cup's place 
Ranks high with grace. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 145 

But the drama changes 

And now once more 
O'er my vision ranges 

Sad hfe as before. 

And the hangman's rope 

Now in full view, 
Hath caught my hope 

And courage too. 

In a motley crowd 

With iron bonds, 
All erect and proud 

A prisoner stands. 

As my startled gaze 

Rests on that face 
I remember a blaze 

A child — a place. 

Since the ones to save him 

Were few and weak, 
All the judges gave him 

Time yet to speak. 

With a pale, stern brow 

He glances o'er 
Many people now 

For one man more. 

Then he called his name 

In accents clear, 
And I saw the same 

False friend appear. 



14G G IC MS OK THOUGHT 

And a life for life 
This mob would take 

To avenge the strife 
Which sin doth make. 

Ah ! but which is worse, 
A maddened brain 

With a bloody stain 
A drunkard's hearse. 

Or a nation cursed 
With sinful blots 

Which her people nursed 
In life-bloods clots? 

Is the hangman's rope 
A drunkard's fate? 

And the only hope 
A riot's hate? 

Will men grow better 

When stamped with blood? 

Can a country's fetter 
Give brotherhood? 

An eye for an eye 

A sin for sin. 
Can this wicked cry 

Be God within ? 

Will the peace of love 
Which Christ once taught 

Descend from above 
In riot's wrought? 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 147 

And the look he gave 

Was bitter scorn 
For the friendly knave 

In falsehood sworn. 

"I believe, to you 

A time w^ill come 
When you sadly rue 

That offered rum. 

"I had tried so hard 

To conquer fate 
But when off my guard 

There you await. 

"Now you wish to hang 

To finish life 
But the foeman's fang 

To me is rife. 

"Although I regret 

My pathway here 
Still a traitor yet 

Hath worse to fear. 

"With my angel wife 

Here by my side 
Many storms in life 

I then could ride. 

"But I soon forgot 

When she was gone 
And a drunken sot 

I journeyed on. 



148 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

"So the life you see 
Is storm beaten 

And resembles that tree 
All worm eaten. 

"To the ones who sell 
This poison sup 

1 will warn as well 
To .^ive it up. 

" 'Tis a wicked crime 
To tempt to sin 

And you know in time 
Results will win. 

"O, I begyou all 
To give up wine 

Lest you too, may fall 
In the devil's shrine. 

"But my little boy 
AVhose soul in Heaven 

Hath a sweeter joy 
Than mine is given. 

"Is beyond the clutch 
Of wicked vice 

Where the devil's touch 
Will soon entice. 

"And the pure sweet life 
Will never know 

How the cruel knife 
Marks here below." 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 149 

Then looking above 

He offered a prayer 
Seeking God's love 

For those who were there. 

"O, my Father," he said, 

"Since I must die 
For the blood I shed 

Have mercy on high. 

"And forgive my soul 

For misdeeds here 
I shall reach my goal 

With trembling fear." 

As the time was o'er 

To all he bowed 
"There is nothing more 

Now make my shroud." 

When the rope was placed, 

That motley crowd 
Whom he bravely faced 

Cheered long and loud. 

But a piecing cry 

And then a pause 
Turned every eye 

To seek the cause. 

Then a maiden fair 

Soon rushes by 
With her streaming hair 

And tear-stained eye. 



150 GEMS Ot' THOUGHT 

To her father's side 
All pale and wan 

While only the tide 
Of time moved on. 

And did God divine 
Answer her plea. 

To pardon the crime 
And set him free? 

For the raging storm 
Was held in check 

By a fair young arm 
Around his neck. 

Can you paint the scene 
Which I now draw 

On the living screen 
Of human law? 

'Twas the maiden's part 
The love, the sob, 

That so moved the heart 
Of that great mob. 

For the tidal wave 

Began to recede 
And desire to save 

Soon took the lead. 

"Let him live and see 

If he can be 
What a true man free 

Had ought to be." 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 151 

Was the cry of one 

And all agree, 
That perhaps he'd shun 

The drunkard's spree. 

And the crowd dispersed 

So he might know 
That although he cursed 

They let him go. 

With the shades of night 

The curtain falls 
And covers the sight 

Like midnight walls. 

Shall we follow time 

That we may see 
In another clime 

This man set free? 

Let the shadows part 

The misty past 
Since nature's art 

Can never last. 

In the morning light 

The sun discloses 
Four children bright 

Among the roses. 

In the trees above 

The happy birds 
Are chiming their love 

In unknown words. 



152 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

And the gentle flow 

Of incense there 
As the breezes blow 

Is everywhere. 

In the door near by 

A mother stands 
While the children tie 

Their floral bands. 

And a happy smile 
Beams from her face 

As her thoughts the while 
In fancy chase. 

But the breezes blow 

Upon her cheek 
Some of nature's glow 

That roses seek. 

As I look upon that brow 
The maiden as of yore 

Looms before me now 
As once long years before. 

Just a little older grown 

With a mother's anxious eye, 

While her babies here are shown 
In the happy chilren nigh. 

And while she gazes 

To those near by 
A songster raises 

His notes on high. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 153 

And how sweet he sings 

So near her door 
In the tree he rings 

His message o'er. 

O, how beautiful 

God's love instills 
All things dutiful 

With nature thrills. 

Oft too she glances 

Out to the field 
Where some one chances 

Bright hopes to shield. 

And a lover's joy 

Seems there impressed 
With a heart's employ 

Which God hath blessed. 

'Tis a ransomed name 

The farmer keeps, 
While the wife's sweet frame 

In justice sleeps. 

'Tis an echoed harp 

Whose joy unfolds 
When the hidden carp 

The world beholds. 

While the meadow lark 

In rapture sings 
'Tis the sweetest spark 

Of love he brinars. 



154 G E M S F T H U (J H T 

As the dews of morning 

In rainbows glow 
So the brightest dawning 

Of love will grow. 

Is it love supreme 
Awakening hope ? 

Or doth fancy's dream 
With vision cope? 

Is a happy home 

A gift of love? 
Do showers come . . 

From God above? 

O, the joy, the peace. 
Of home, sweet home, 

Where our troubles cease 
In the flowers that bloom. 

So happy and free 
These children see 

The beauties of nature 
In every creature. 

And with love and song 

All the day long 
Life fills each soul 

While her leaflets unroll. 

As love advances 
Her many chances 

Then freshness and bloom 
Drive away all gloom. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 155 

'Till both old and young 

With their hearts unstrung 
Are willing to feel 

Her gentle appeal. 

From out dull winter's sleep 

The reed is shaken 
Let it waken, 

For the stormy blast 
Of winter is past. 

While her buds will grow 

With the Spring tide flow 
And reveal to man 

All the good they can. 

To teach him that life 

Is not all strife 
And doth ever uplift 

Those who follow her drift. 

Time hath cast his forelocks 

Upon these lives I see 
And like the sea shore rocks 

Imprint her traces free. 

One with age is printed 

And the wrinkles on the brow 

Hath a page of sorrow tinted, 
Reflecting shadows now. 

Yet through these darkened corners 

The dancing sunbeams peep 
To drive away dull mourners 

These laughing ray-gleams leap. 



156 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

O, tell me, beams of sunshine, 
Just how to find my way 

Among the creeping shadows 
That cross my path each day. 

As life to you seems sweeter 
And brighter as you go 

Just shed abroad that pleasure 
That deadens others' woe. 

Near the shady path 

Down yonder hill. 
Lies the bubbling wrath 

Of spring and rill. 

With a rippled dance 

The brooklet flows 
And the trickles prance 

As on she goes. 

While the sunbeams play 

Her colors show 
With each tiny ray 

A bright rain-bow. 

On a stump near by 
This rippling stream 

Doth an old man try 
To rest and dream. 

On a cane he leans 

His tired head 
And nature's scenes 

Have gone to bed. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 157 

While his silv'ry hair 

Waves to and fro 
As the gentle air 

In breezes blow. 

As his fancies leap 

The trembling form 
Soon forgets in sleep 

Life's vale of storm. 

Yet again I mark 

From that worn face 
In the withered bark 

That old disgrace. 

For the scars are there 

Though old and dried 
Still revealing where 

Sin once defied. 

When pain in living dramas 
Cuts deep and leaves her traces, 

These mournful panoramas 
Reflect upon our faces. 

If sin in blazing meanness 
Be ranked in colors high, 

Then Satan's mortal greenness 
Will mark the bitter dye. 

Just a few years later 

The roUcall came 
When our Creator 

Demolished that frame 



158 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

For the house was old 

And ready to fall, 
So the Spirit of Gold 

Obeyed the call. 

When the earth reclaims 

Our human bones 
Then Heaven gains 

The soul she owns. 

Though so loved by all 

His soul had fled 
From the broken wall 

The flesh was dead. 

When he passed away 
All people mourned 

And so on that day 
His body adorned. 

With pure lilies white 
His form was draped 

And with roses bright 
His tomb was craped. 

Remembered at last 
For his kindly deeds 

God forgave the past 

With these scattered seeds. 

But the children mourned 
More than the rest 

And so they adorned 
His grave the best. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 159 

For every morning 

If e'er the sun 
Gave clouds a scorning 

When day begun, 

With the brightest flowers 

They sought his grave 
And covered like showers 

This vet'ran brave. 

He had fought and gained 

Success at last 
And there he remained 

At the top of the mast. 

Have I printed well 

This scene in life ? 
Doth my picture tell 

Its roads of strife? 

Is our maiden's prayer 

And gentle love 
On the canvas there 

Or flown above? 

Are the good deeds sown 
Ever wasted 
Can a pure life known 
Remain untasted? 

We are journeying on 

Uphill and down 
With a purpose we don 

Each starry crown. 



160 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

And a misty film 

Doth cloud each day. 

While hiding the realm 
Of the passers by. 

But the life we live 

Covers the soul 
Which soon we must give 

When the mists unroll. 



Last night, methought, in my dream I saw 

A river both wide and deep, 
Again in my memory this vision I draw 

As pictured last night in my sleep. 

What power unseen so gently doth guide 
Our thoughts that come and go, 

So sweet, so calm, in the fast ebbing tide 
Doth vanish all billows of woe. 

O magic sleep! whence comes thy charm 

That lulls our souls to rest, 
Which gives new life to the nerve and arm 

Sweet balm to the troubled breast. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 161 

I see a form by my side once more 

A beautiful Angel fair 
And the mystic veil of light she wore 

Brightly revealed her there. 

Softly she murmurs and calls my name 

And tells me I must go 
Where the flitting scenes are never the same 

Where the river Time doth flow. 

Since God oft warns the v/eakest here 

To flee from the path of sin 
The bad alone have death to fear 

For Heaven the good shall win. 

So strangely borne through the midnight air 

I was wafted far from home 
To a beautiful clime so bright and fair 

To a land where Angels roam. 

Placed on the banks of a silvery stream 

I watched the boats glide by, 
And far away their bright lights gleam 

While slowly drawing nigh. 

Some seemed small like fairy barques, 

And some were hugely cast 
Though all were seered and rough with marks 

From many a stormy blast. 

How far and yet how near and strange 

These boats came floating by, 
But while I gazed they seemed to change 

As one and all drew nigh. 



162 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Each craft I saw was the human frame 

Shattered and weak from sin, 
And the cabin hghts that shone, now came 

From the living souls within. 

On, on, they go, adown the tide 

To sail eternity 
These barques are frail from sin and crime, 

They ne'er can enter the sea. 

But God prepares for the living soul 
When man's weak frame gives way 

In Heaven's gates he will reach his goal 
While the ships at anchor lay. 

A few were those that I have known 

From childhood days 'till now. 
How plain the marks of vice were shown 

In form, on cheek and brow. 

The little sins that we forgot 

Nor cared to notice then. 
Were firmly traced and now seemed wrought 

On the wretched souls of men. 

I saw my own scarred, withered frame. 

So beautiful in life. 
My wicked ways were stamped in shame 

My soul was dwarfed from strife. 

In wonder and surprise I thought, 
Could this small soul be mine? 

Had I from earthly sins thus brought 
My body to its shrine? 



i 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 163 

Suddenly a voice so sweet and low 
Was borne to my listening ear, 

It soothed my troubled spirit's flow 
Like rippling water clear. 

"Turn ye, lest it be too late. 

E'er thou shalt cease to care, 
As love for good may turn to hate 

And sin be pleasure there. 

"If thou wilt seek from God thy light 

He will thy sins forgive. 
Then strive with all thy will and might 

A better life to live. 

"Place all thy treasures up on high, 

No moths or rust annoy. 
Where stealthy thieves will ne'er go nigh 

Nor men of crime destroy. 

In love forgive thy brother's sin 

Forgive his blundering way. 
With kindness strive his love to win 

And help him day by day." 

The sweet voice ceased and all was still, 

I turned around to see 
Who cared enough to have the will 

To so kindly speak to me. 

To my surprise no one stood near, 

I trembled in every limb, 
With many a sad, remorseful tear 

My eyes grew weak and dim. 



164 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

While bowed with grief, new strains I heard 

Only an Angel singing 
Though far away, in every word 

My mother's voice was ringing. 

My mother's voice, I knew it well. 

O, how my heart was thrilled. 
A joy no mortal tongue could tell 

Now all my being filled. 

If I could only see her now 

As in the days of yore. 
Place loving hands upon my brow 

And bless me as before. 

And then I thought I could do right, 

And be a man once more. 
With courage new each battle fight 

Till death came to my door. 

My mother came, upon my head 
Her pure white hands were laid. 

"O, bless my erring boy," she said, 
"For every effort made. 

"O, bless each noble deed when done, 

And help him strive to gain 
The highest plane that can be won 

To wash away his stain. 

"A mother's tear, a mother's smile 

Cannot blot out a wrong. 
He who will thus his soul defile 

In evil paths belong. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 



165 



"My boy, by works can find the way 

To gain his mother's side. 
For God will teach all those who may 

And be their willing guide. 

"But now, dear child, I must away 

For other tasks have I. 
Guard well thy footsteps day by^day, 

We'll meet here bye and bye." 

She smiled, then vanished from my sight. 

In vain I tried to call. 
The past loomed up like the gloom of night 

The future like a wall. 

I woke, 'twas but a midnight dream, 

A fancy, yet how real. 
Are sins all greater than they seem, 

Whose blots man cannot heal ? 

These thoughts my mind conned o'er and o'er 

Till early morning dawned. 
Then I felt as ne'er before 
That a gulf before me yawned. 

Today I scanned my features well 

When I my toilet made 
To see what crimes my face would tell. 

What beauties there might fade. 

How well we read if brought to light 

The truth, it is so plain 
We cannot see where sin doth blight 

When all our thoughts are vain. 



166 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

I saw myself as others see, 

Dark lines upon my face, 
A loathsome scowl belonged to me 

Which smiles could not erase. 

Deceit was written in my eyes, 
My mouth looked hard and cold, 

No wonder many passed me by 
When such a tale was told. 

My form was stooped, my face was flushed, 

Debauch showed everywhere, 
And then with very shame I blushed. 

For once I had been fair. 

I tell you, boys, I'm going to change, 

A better man I'll be. 
I cannot afford to so derange 

This frame whom all can see. 

Examine yourselves as I have mine 

And I think that you'll agree, 
That evil ways and bubbling wine 

Disgraced both you and me. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 167 



**^0 m Soto, gfo ©Hall n 10leap " 

It was during an encampment 
In New London, I remember, 

When the Autumn leaves were turning 
In the fair month of September. 

People far and wide had gathered, 
Some from countries o'er the sea ; 

'Twas a council for all nations 
In the greatest harmony. 

Men of honor, men of station, 

And of every kind of creed 
Mingled with the laboring people 

Searching for the truth indeed. 

On the day that I now mention 

In the afternoon at three 
Was a meeting for the people 

For all testimony free. 

To unite and be united 

In the search for truth and love ; 
Self forgetting and forgiving 

In pure thoughts of God above. 

Here the rich and poor assembled 
Heart with heart and hand in hand, 

Joined their sympathies together 
In a strong and helpful band. 



168 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

It was then that gra} -haired fathers 

Bcwed in prayer, their sins confessing; 

It was then that youths and maidens 
Sought from God their future blessing. 

O, how vivid is the picture 

Of that mother worn with sorrow, 

As she rose to tell her trouble 
E'er the coming of the morrow. 

She reminded me of Autumn 

When the leaves begin to fall ; 
Though we know that they are dying 

Still they're beautiful to all. 

Though her pale cheeks flushed while waiting 

From emotions hidden deep. 
Then in low^ sweet tones she warned us, 

"As ye sow, so shall ye reap." 

"O. hark ! to a poor old mother, 

Rowd down and stricken with grief. 

A word, just a word of warning 
Lest you strike against the reef. 

"This morning I heard a daughter 

Tell a lie to her little son 
To keep him away from mischief 

Or. just for a little fun. 

"It made my poor heart sicken 

And I trembled as I thought 
That she little knew what troubles 

Such lies as these had wrought. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 169 

"Ah ! once I was a mother 

And as fair as many of you. 
I told my child a story 

To keep him from mischief too. 

"The mistakes of my life have been many 
The blunders so frequently made 

Have caused these wrinkles to gather, 
And the bloom from my cheeks to fade. 

"Experience is often a teacher 

But the lessons we learn are so dear. 

For regrets and tears will follow 
And our lives made cold and drear. 

Mothers! with little ones growing-; 

Fathers! with children you love, 
Step careful or you may so blunder 

As to ruin your little dove. 

"These little innocent darlings 
Watch every move that we make, 

They copy each word and action 
Although they may be a mistake. 

"Why did I not see my error 

When first I began to fail? 
If I had but heeded my warnings 

My lot I w^ould not bewail. 

"The mistakes of my life have been many 
But this was the greatest of all, 

When I started my baby's footsteps 
Where I knew deception would fall. 



170 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

"Deceit is such a great evil, 

It begins we scarcely know when 

In little desires and notions 
That live in the hearts of men. 

"How well I remember my folly 
When first I deceived my child, 

With his beautiful eyes wide open 
He looked up surprised and smiled. 

"I thought to teach him a lesson 
Not to run on the streets alone, 

But to stay with his own dear mamma 
Where protection was always shown. 

"I told him the dog might eat him 

Or a giant take him away, 
He'd have no papa nor mamma, 

And with strangers he'd have to stay. 

"He sat by himself and pondered 
After this little tale was told. 

Till fast asleep I found him 

My jewel ! more precious than gold. 

"O. parents, be true to your children 
Would you have them true to you. 

If you teach the art of deception 
in time these lies you will rue. 

"Deceit is the root of evil 

Which leads to dark crime and woe 
This path through life if you follow 

Will be your bitterest foe. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT m 

"I tried to deceive my baby 

To keep him here by my side 
If I had ever been truthful 

He might still in me confide. 

"My little one soon discovered 

That what I had said was untrue 
Whenever I tried to warn him 

He thought 'twas a story, too. 

"Then soon he began to utter 

Little falsehoods no worse than mme 

But though I thought to correct him 
With mischief his eyes would shine. 

"He thought 'twas fun to deceive me 
What harm now could there be 

In telling stories like mama 
When she was older than he? 

"O, my little bright-eyed baby, 

Can it be you will ever know 
That your mother deeply suffers 

Because she once wronged you so? 

"One evening just at twilight 
At the close of a summer's day 

We were watching the twinkling stars 
Come forth in their bright array. 

"My boy no longer a baby, 

Was just at the age of seven 
Upon my lap he was sitting 

While I talked of the wonders of Heaven. 



172 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

''I told him of God and his angels 
And this beautiful world he made 

Of these bodies that he gave us 
So soon in the graves to be laid. 

"Of the children up in Heaven 

All dressed in their robes of white. 

Who were ever good and happy 
Because they always did right. 

"My Willie now looked up at me 

And said so sober and wise, 
'Mamma, what makes folks tell us little 
boys, 

Such great big awful lies? 

" 'I always thought that Santa Clans 

Came round in a little sleigh 
Down the chimney through the soot 

To give his presents away. 

" 'Last winter the boys all told me 

That it wasn't so at all. 
That you or papa always filled 

My stockings hung on the wall. 

" 'I think it is mean and naughty 

In mammas to do that way 
When they know it makes the big boys 
laugh 

To hear what the little boys say.' 

"I tried to explain the difference 

In a lie and a little tale 
But here like many a mother 

I most certainly did fail. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 173 

"My child was a little skeptic 

He would not and could not believe 

He thought that I had been telling 
A story just to deceive. 

"The years were coming and going, 

I scarcely knew how nor when 
But time was changing my baby, 

And he grew into ways like men. 

"Slowly a gulf was widening 

Between little Willie and me. 
He was getting so bold and rough 

I more and more plainly could see. 

"No more he cared for his kisses, 

Or his little troubles to tell. 
No more he cared for mama 

Whom he used to love so well. 

"He was drifting, slowly drifting. 

Along with the rolling tide 
Near the seething, madd'ning whirlpool 

Where sin doth ever hide. 

"In vain I tried to reach him, 

In vain I called him back. 
He neither heard my calling 

Nor faltered in his track. 

'Twas a bitter, bitter trial 

For a mother's heart to bear. 
When she knew her own misgivings 

Had started his footsteps there. 



174 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

"My Willie was past sixteen 
When he left his parent's door 

O'er the wide, wide world to wander 
From his home for evermore. 

"Long, long years we have waited 

For our boy again to return 
To his broken hearted parents 

Who still so mournfully yearn. 

"Ah! soon the graves will hold their own 
And our bodies return to dust. 

The future now to us unknown 
To God we willingly trust. 

"All ye who know our Willie, 

If ever you chance to meet, 
Just tell him his poor old mother 

In Heaven her boy will greet. 

"O, tell him how we have missed him, 
And how we have sought for him here, 

That we never have forgotten 
Our Willie, our boy so dear. 

"On the other shore we're waiting. 

Waiting just the same as of yore, 
For the coming of our darling 

Whom we lost long years before. 

"I confess my greatest sorrow. 

That mothers all may know 
How deceitful measures never fail 

Rut will give us pain and woe. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 175 

"Take warning-, sons and daughters, 

And heed what I have told, 
O, found your statements all on truth, 

Then God will bless when you grow old." 

The poor old lady took her seat 

All trembling and in tears. 
Her husband sat with bowed head 

From the grief he'd borne for years. 

I never shall forget that hour, 

For all now seemed to feel 
A deep and heartfelt sympathy 

For her whose sighs were real. 

Presently a stranger rose 

And came up the center aisle, 
His dress looked stained and dusty 

From traveling many a mile. 

I saw that his face was handsome. 
Though stamped with vice and sin, 

I saw that his eyes were glowing 
From a burning fire within. 

I knew that he was excited 

By the story she had told, 
And was only hastening forward 

Some tidings to unfold. 

He laid his hand on her shoulder, 

Then whispered soft and low 
A message from her lost one, 

For she fell as from a blow. 



176 GEMS OF THOUGHT 

Gently and quickly he raised her, 
And called her his mother dear, 

But she lay all still and helpless 
Though now her boy was near. 

Back he smoothed the gray-haired locks 

That o'er her forehead laid, 
\\'hile tenderly, softly, he called her 

His mother from whom he had strayed. 

But then she had only fainted, 

And when he spoke her name 
As though from the dead she wakened, 

For he and her boy were the same. 

After the fright was over. 

And the choir began to sing. 
O. how that great assembly 

Did make the music ring. 

They sang of sins forgiven, 

And the prodigal's return. 
Of rejoicing up in Heaven 

When the tidings they would learn. 

Methought I heard the echo 

When it reached the Heavenly shore, 
And the Angel voices singing 

Sweetly singing evermore. 

God's spirit seemed to float 

O'er the gathering there that day, 

For the vilest of all sinners 

Then thought to change his way. 



GEMS OF THOUGHT 177 

How often we carry burden 

As if in some deep dream, 
Until the clouds are scattered 

And the sun begins to gleam. 

But when the storm is over 
Our joy doth seem so great 

We can scarcely bear its lightness 
So heavy has been the weight. 

'Twas so with that dear mother, 
Who was now so greatly blessed 

That her heart was overflowing 
From the joy that she possessed. 

That meeting was a grand one. 

We felt God's wondrous power 
Pouring forth in loving kindness 

On us all in one great shower. 




